Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 220: The Death of Mu Zhi’an p2

Mu Zhi’an could sense that her life force was fading.

Is this girl that determined…? Mu Zhi’an was stunned.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden was clearly using some secret technique to forcefully increase her cultivation level. However, after this, her lifespan would be greatly affected.

If she couldn’t successfully reach the Nascent Soul Realm and extend her lifespan, she might die prematurely.

However, all Mu Zhi’an saw in her eyes was resolute determination.

How can I run away now…? Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly.

Then, he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“Move aside,” he transmitted his voice.

A hint of doubt flashed through the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s mind before she saw Mu Zhi’an raise his black sword.

All the Spiritual Energy in his Vessel vanished in an instant, flowing into the Lone Star Sword.

The ground trembled slightly, and the Nascent Soul cultivators fighting nearby also noticed the change. Fu Yuan’s expression changed, and he shouted urgently, “Get back!”

However, his warning came too late. As his voice fell, Mu Zhi’an’s sword slashed down from the sky.

Focusing on a single point, reaching the pinnacle!

Boom!

The sword erupted with a blinding light like a star, creating huge cracks in the ground around Mu Zhi’an. The cultivators in front of him didn’t have time to dodge and were instantly obliterated by the starlight.

The clamor at the exit fell silent. The Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s red lips parted slightly in astonishment.

Such power was completely unlike something a second-grade Core Formation cultivator could unleash.

“Go!” Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice, snapping the Jade Pool Holy Maiden out of her daze.

His Vessel was completely drained of Spiritual Energy; he couldn’t run even if he wanted to.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden looked at Mu Zhi’an deeply, then turned and fled towards the exit of the Jade Pool Sacred Land without hesitation.

Mu Zhi’an withdrew his gaze, his eyes downcast, a shadow of sadness in them.

When the Jade Pool Holy Maiden had told him to leave, he had wanted to.

But Sister Mengrou was still here… He felt that if he left, he would live the rest of his life haunted by the choice he made today.

He was never a saint, but in this life, he didn’t seek to be a savior; he only sought to live without regrets.

“Let’s work together to send out a signal about the situation in the Jade Pool!”

Several Jade Pool elders exchanged glances and, without hesitation, burned their life force. This was a secret technique of the Jade Pool, and since the Jade Pool Holy Maiden could use it, so could they.

Boom!

The barrier shook violently, but it remained intact.

“Hmph!”

Elders from the two Sects attacked, blocking the path of the Jade Pool elders.

At this moment, Mu Zhi’an suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest, and blood splattered from his body.

He slowly looked down and saw an emerald green flame blade piercing through his heart.

The man in the green robe had a grim expression. He hadn’t expected that, despite their meticulous planning, a mere Core Formation cultivator would cause so many casualties among their disciples.

“I told you, you would die a horrible death,” the man said coldly.

Mu Zhi’an didn’t speak, coughing up blood.

“Damn it, why doesn’t anyone play by the rules in this world? Nascent Soul enemies popping up everywhere when I’m just at the Core Formation Realm… How am I supposed to survive?”

At this moment, past memories flashed through Mu Zhi’an’s mind like a runaway film projector, until finally, his eyes gradually dimmed.

At the entrance of the Jade Pool Sacred Land, countless gazes were fixed on Mu Zhi’an. After an unknown amount of time, someone finally spoke.

“He’s dead…?”

“…Long live the Sect Master!”

“Kill him! So what if he has an Innate Celestial Vessel? It’s useless in battle!”

The disciples who had been paralyzed by the Lone Star Sword earlier recovered and shouted angrily.

Mu Zhi’an’s vision blurred. He looked at everything before him: the mocking smile on the man in the green robe’s face, the clashing of swords in the distance, and the jeering cultivators in front of him.

These sounds and images seemed to merge in his mind, then accelerate until finally, his brain ceased to function.

Mu Zhi’an slowly closed his eyes.

…

Two Polarities Sect, Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Lin Ling, who was sitting in the courtyard eating meat buns, suddenly froze and subconsciously turned her head towards a certain direction.

Her red eyes were filled with confusion.

Then, as if sensing something, her eyes widened, her pupils reflecting the entire sky.

“What are you looking at, Senior Lin Ling?” Bai Ruoxi, with her elegant and gentle demeanor, noticed Lin Ling’s unusual behavior and asked softly.

Words appeared on the table. Bai Ruoxi looked over and saw: His life force has vanished.

“He…?”

Bai Ruoxi muttered softly. When she saw more words appear on the table, she looked over again, her gaze freezing.

The name on the table was: Mu Zhi’an.

…

Boom!

A violent clash erupted in mid-air. The Jade Pool Empress Mother’s lips were pale, and she stumbled back a few steps, her chest heaving.

Facing three Nascent Soul cultivators, empowered by ancestral artifacts, she couldn’t handle them alone.

If it weren’t for the fact that all three were wary of her desperate counterattack before death, she would have already collapsed.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother circulated her Spiritual Energy, her gaze sweeping across the ground before landing on the young man at the entrance of the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

His chest was pierced with a large hole, his robes stained with blood. At his feet lay the corpses of cultivators, slain by the focused power of the Lone Star Sword moments ago.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother abruptly looked up, her face filled with rage. “You—”

“What about us?” The man in the green robe sneered. “Mu Zhi’an committed suicide out of guilt. What does it have to do with us?”

“Besides, who can stand up for him after the Jade Empress dies?”

A mere young cultivator, lucky enough to know the Jade Empress. But the Jade Empress was still in the process of condensing her Vessel. Although five Nascent Soul elders from the Jade Pool Sacred Land were guarding her, the ones who had attacked were the Primordial Demon Emperor’s subordinates.

They had naturally prepared before taking action.

Even if the Jade Empress survived this time and successfully condensed her Vessel, they would have already shielded their fate and escaped from the Eastern Realm with the medicinal pill.

Boom!

A thunderous sound echoed in mid-air. The man in the green robe looked up and saw a Jade Pool elder, his lifespan nearing its end, bombarding the barrier in the sky. A mocking smile appeared on his face.

“I told you, the barrier is unbreakable. Only the caster can undo this formation.”

The Jade Pool elder, with his white beard and aged face, had golden flames burning in his eyes. He abruptly turned and lunged at the Sect Master of the Profound Sky Sect.

However, in the next instant, Fu Yuan moved. His speed was astonishing. The radiant light from his ancestral artifact shone as he grabbed the Jade Pool elder by the collar and slammed him onto the ground.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother, restrained by the other two, glared at Fu Yuan furiously. “Fu Yuan!”

“Calm down. Your current condition isn’t good. Be careful not to let anger consume you.”

A cold smile appeared on Fu Yuan’s face as he drew a sharp blade from thin air.

The Jade Pool elder could only watch helplessly as the blade descended, his eyes filled with indignation and despair.

Crack.

At this moment, a crisp cracking sound suddenly came from within the sealed Jade Pool Sacred Land, causing Fu Yuan’s hand to freeze mid-air.

Everyone’s hearts skipped a beat as they instinctively looked up.

Boom!

The ground shook violently, and a giant palm print descended from the sky, grabbing onto the barrier. Then, under countless shocked gazes, it squeezed!

The indestructible barrier shattered into pieces!

Sunlight poured into the gloomy Jade Pool, and a woman in a green dress stood suspended in the air, bathed in sunlight, overlooking everything below like a deity.

“You’re quite bold, aren’t you?”

As her ethereal voice rang out, it felt as if time itself had frozen.

The man in the green robe and the others stood motionless, like statues.

Their minds went blank.

Why is the Jade Empress here…?

The remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators were supposed to be stopping her from condensing her Vessel… Why is she here?! Fu Yuan and the others screamed inwardly.

The Jade Empress stood in mid-air, looking down at the ground indifferently.

Seeing the carnage in the Jade Pool, a hint of coldness appeared in her eyes for the first time.

These people had been plotting to seize the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit from the very beginning… Not just the remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators, but even cultivators from the Southern Wilderness were involved.

Their goal was to prevent her from returning to the Dao Integration Realm.

Because the Eastern Realm was already too strong, and with the addition of the Jade Empress…

However, they probably never expected that a young cultivator at the Core Formation Realm would change everything.

No one could have imagined that the enhancement from the Innate Celestial Vessel would accelerate the Jade Empress’s Vessel condensation process to such an extent.

The Jade Empress gracefully descended from the sky, her gaze sweeping across the scene before her.

Most of the corpses here weren’t from the Jade Pool Sacred Land but from the two Sects.

This gave her some comfort.

As she was about to look away, something caught her eye, and her body stiffened.

She stared silently. After a brief pause, her body trembled slightly. She floated down from the sky and slowly walked towards the entrance of the Sacred Land.

The silence was deafening, as if everyone’s heartbeats could be heard.

Under countless gazes, she finally arrived at the gate of the Jade Pool and silently looked at the black-robed young man who had lost his life force.

The indifferent expression she had always maintained finally crumbled.

Chapter 220: The Death of Mu Zhi’an p1

Should I not have returned to the Jade Pool…?

Looking at the two Earthly Immortals before him and the intimidating woman in the black dress by his side, this thought flashed through Mu Zhi’an’s mind.

Then, he quickly came to terms with the situation.

No, it wasn’t that he shouldn’t have returned. It was just that no one had expected these people to turn against them so openly and without any disguise.

It was strange. Even if they could silently eliminate everyone in the Jade Pool Sacred Land and obtain the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, what then?

How would they deliver it to the Primordial Demon Emperor at the Pilgrimage Palace in the Two Polarities Sect?

There must be some hidden scheme at play.

“Once the Jade Empress emerges from seclusion, none of you will escape!” a Jade Pool elder roared angrily.

“While the Jade Empress is in seclusion, do you think you have any chance of resistance?” Fu Yuan chuckled.

The man in the green robe sneered. “Someone else will deal with her.”

To establish such a powerful force in the Eastern Realm, they couldn’t possibly be fools. Since they dared to act, it meant they were prepared.

Some forces in the Eastern Realm were responsible for the Jade Pool Sacred Land, while the Demonic Cultivators would deal with the Jade Empress.

They weren’t even afraid of the Jade Empress and wanted to strike while she was condensing her Vessel?!

This answer sent chills down the spines of many within the Jade Pool.

“Fu Yuan, we are not from the Jade Pool. Let us leave, and I swear I will never reveal any information about this place,” an elder from another Primordial Clan pleaded.

He was from a different Primordial Clan and had only been here by chance, never expecting to encounter such a situation.

Both Sect Masters were at the fifth-grade Nascent Soul Realm. With the enhancement from their ancestral artifacts, most Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn’t be able to resist them. They had chosen to act now because they had brought their clan’s ancestral artifacts, giving them the confidence to be so reckless.

Three or four more elders spoke up, swearing that they would never reveal what happened here and begging to leave.

Fu Yuan raised an eyebrow, glanced at them, and said, “Since you’re all so sincere, I won’t make things difficult for you. You may leave.”

Is this guy really that kind? Mu Zhi’an watched the departing elders, his brow furrowed, a strange feeling in his heart.

Then, he suddenly heard screams coming from outside the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

It was the elders who had just left!

Mu Zhi’an abruptly turned his head and saw a figure emerging from the Sacred Land.

No… It could no longer be called human. It looked more like a monster.

Its body was covered in tentacles, it had an octopus head, and a pair of bat wings sprouted from its back. It looked grotesque and eerie!

“Someone from the Southern Wilderness?!” A Jade Pool elder exclaimed.

Rumors had it that the deity of the Southern Wilderness had such an appearance. It was forbidden to look directly at it, because seeing it meant facing the deepest fears within oneself.

The deity’s followers were also such monsters.

Of course, these monsters weren’t common. However, each one was at least at the Nascent Soul Realm, and their bodies alone could withstand several attacks from ancestral artifacts.

To think that even people from the Southern Wilderness have come…

This incident wasn’t just about the Eastern Realm and the Northern Realm Demon Realm; it also involved the Southern Wilderness!

Someone didn’t want another Empress in the Eastern Realm, so they wanted to eliminate her and resurrect the Primordial Demon Emperor to throw the Eastern Realm into chaos!

“Miss Lina, we’ll leave this to you,” Fu Yuan said with a smile, but his gaze was also wary of the terrifying creature.

“You’re not only colluding with the remnants of the Primordial Demon Emperor but also getting involved with the Southern Wilderness. Aren’t you afraid that there will be no place for you in the Eastern Realm in the future?!” The Jade Pool Empress Mother glared at them, her voice filled with anger and shock.

“I said, the one colluding with the Demon Emperor is you, not us,” Fu Yuan said with a faint smile.

“The truth lies only with the living.”

“The dead can’t speak!”

In the next moment, the smile on Fu Yuan’s face disappeared, and he summoned his clan’s ancestral artifact.

It was an Emperor-Grade weapon. Although it looked dilapidated and rusty, the deterrent force it radiated caused everyone present to change their expressions.

An ancestral artifact also emerged behind the Jade Pool Empress Mother. Looking at the three people before her, her face grew heavy.

These two men probably knew they were being used, but for the chance to reach the Dao Integration Realm, they had chosen this path.

The involvement of the Southern Wilderness was the reason they dared to be so brazen.

“Young friend Mu, I will do my best to send you and Yao Yue away with the other elders. After that, send out a signal and expose their true colors.”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother’s voice suddenly reached Mu Zhi’an’s ears. He glanced at the beautiful woman discreetly and nodded silently.

He was a very calm person and knew what to do at the right time. He couldn’t intervene in a battle at the Nascent Soul Realm level, but as long as he sent a signal to the outside world, they would have won.

Clang!

At this moment, an ancient bell toll suddenly echoed throughout the Jade Pool Sacred Land. It was one of the Jade Pool’s ancestral artifacts. Just hearing the sound made people feel as if their souls were about to leave their bodies.

While everyone was momentarily disoriented, Mu Zhi’an glanced at the Jade Pool Holy Maiden and the others. Without hesitation, he flew towards the exit of the Jade Pool on his sword, taking the Holy Maiden with him.

“Hmph!”

However, a cold snort suddenly rang out. Just the sound alone made Mu Zhi’an feel discomfort in his internal organs.

This was the pressure of a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, amplified by the ancestral artifact. Even Nascent Soul cultivators of the same level would struggle to resist it, let alone someone at the Core Formation Realm.

Something on the Jade Pool Holy Maiden seemed to be resisting the pressure from the sound, but she was still affected, her face slightly pale. She gritted her teeth and continued to fly towards the exit.

Fu Yuan sneered and was about to attack.

But at this moment, the Jade Pool Empress Mother also raised her hand, her Spiritual Energy transforming into a giant sword that shot towards him.

The surrounding Jade Pool elders also attacked, their eyes bloodshot, seemingly determined to protect the Jade Pool Holy Maiden and send her away.

However, the elders beside Fu Yuan also made their move, marking the beginning of a chaotic battle.

Shouts and the clash of weapons filled the Jade Pool, but the sounds couldn’t reach the outside world. Everyone could clearly sense the pressure from the Spiritual Energy released.

The man in the green robe from the Violet Rainbow Sect laughed heartily. “Did you really think you could escape? As long as the barrier remains intact, you can’t leave.”

He then turned to look at the fleeing Jade Pool Holy Maiden, his eyes gleaming with a playful glint, like a cat toying with its prey. He reached out towards her with his hand.

Before anyone could react, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s sword shook violently, and she plummeted uncontrollably.

The man in the green robe snorted. “What good is being a prodigy? Before you grow strong, you’re just an ordinary Core Formation cultivator.”

“Shi Fei, bind her with a talisman and bring her back to the Violet Rainbow Sect. I have a use for her. If she resists, break her limbs.”

Shi Fei didn’t dare to defy the Sect Master and could only nod.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden also possessed an Innate Dao Body. He knew exactly what the man in the green robe wanted to do but could do nothing about it.

“A dignified Nascent Soul Realm Sect Master resorting to attacking a young girl. If word gets out, your reputation will be ruined,” an elder from the Profound Sky Sect mocked, but his eyes were filled with regret as he looked at the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.

Who wouldn’t want an Innate Dao Body?

“Holy Maiden Yao Yue, you can’t blame me for this. I will plead with my father to spare your life later,” Shi Fei said.

Although he couldn’t obtain the Innate Dao Body, he could imprison the Jade Pool Holy Maiden in his clan. Such a beauty, he would never tire of playing with her for a lifetime.

Looking at the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s graceful figure, a hint of greed flashed in Shi Fei’s eyes.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden bit her lip, helpless as she watched Shi Fei take out a talisman and approach her.

However, in the next instant, a whooshing sound came from behind. The Lone Star Sword shot out with lightning speed, piercing through Shi Fei’s chest.

The sudden attack caught everyone off guard. Shi Fei coughed up blood, looking down at the blade protruding from his chest.

The man in the green robe also reacted, abruptly turning around to see a scroll unfurl, attempting to suck him in.

The Eight Chaos Dream Scroll!

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden hesitated for a moment, then, ignoring the sharp pain in her chest, turned and fled towards the exit of the Jade Pool without hesitation.

However, disciples from the two Sects had already surrounded the area. Most of them were only at the Foundation Establishment Realm, but even with their numbers, they could continuously drain the Spiritual Energy from the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s Vessel.

This greatly hindered her progress.

Meanwhile, the man in the green robe released a surge of Spiritual Energy, instantly shattering the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll. He glared at Mu Zhi’an with a grim expression.

A mere Core Formation cultivator dared to trick him?!

At this moment, a seductive voice suddenly rang out. “Keep Mu Zhi’an alive. I have a use for him later.”

The woman in the black dress licked her lips alluringly and said softly, “I’ll make him swear not to reveal anything. Besides, I’ll cripple his tendons and keep him as my pet under my feet. He won’t bother anyone else.”

However, as soon as she finished speaking, the man in the green robe snorted, raised his hand, and unleashed a wave of emerald green flames that transformed into a sharp blade, shooting towards Mu Zhi’an.

The woman in the black dress frowned but didn’t say anything, only sighing softly. “What a pity.”

The emerald green flames descended towards Mu Zhi’an, but at this moment, the maid in the yellow dress intervened, blocking the attack with her sword.

She staggered back a few steps, looking somewhat disheveled, but she had managed to withstand the blow.

“Oh?”

The man in the green robe’s eyes lit up with interest as he examined the beauty in the yellow dress.

He hadn’t paid much attention before… but Mu Zhi’an’s maid seemed to be several times stronger than her master…

However… no matter how strong she was, she was still only at the Core Formation Realm. How long could she last against him?!

A cold glint flashed in the man’s eyes. He raised his hand again, unleashing another wave of emerald green flames.

It was just a casual attack for him, but when it reached Wei Mengrou, it felt like a mountain slowly moving towards her, bringing immense pressure.

At this moment, a scream suddenly came from the crowd. The man in the green robe glanced over and saw hundreds of golden firebirds soaring in the air, crashing into the disciples blocking the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s path.

These disciples were mostly from the Violet Rainbow Sect and the Profound Sky Sect, primarily at the Foundation Establishment Realm. They couldn’t withstand the formation.

The one controlling the formation was the young man with the Innate Celestial Vessel constitution.

The man in the green robe narrowed his eyes and was about to suppress him.

However, a Jade Pool elder intervened, engaging him in combat, forcing him to focus on his current opponent.

Although Mu Zhi’an rarely fought, it didn’t mean he was weak. At least, he hadn’t encountered anyone who could defeat him at the same level. It was just that he had always been protected by stronger people, so he didn’t need to fight personally.

The Hundred Birds Chain Formation swiftly eliminated dozens of cultivators. They charged out of the back garden, attacking the disciples of the two Sects surrounding the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

Hearing the continuous screams, the man in the green robe’s expression finally darkened. He blocked an attack from the Jade Pool elder, then abruptly turned to look at Mu Zhi’an on the ground, saying slowly, “You will die a horrible death.”

Mu Zhi’an didn’t respond. Or rather, he didn’t have the energy to.

His Vessel was operating at high speed, and he was still chewing on medicinal pills.

He couldn’t intervene in a Nascent Soul Realm battle, but the Jade Pool elders and the Jade Pool Empress Mother could hold them off for the time being.

However, if they continued to delay, the situation would become increasingly dire.

If they wanted to escape, they had to give it their all.

Mu Zhi’an took out another jade bottle and poured all the pills into his mouth.

These were mostly pills for restoring Spiritual Energy, including a Turtle Breath Pill.

I hope the Turtle Breath Pill works. I can’t die yet… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself as he controlled the formation with his hand. Each golden firebird pierced through a cultivator’s body, burning their Vessel to ashes.

He caught up to the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, continuously eliminating the surrounding cultivators with his formation, while the Spiritual Energy in his Vessel rapidly depleted.

Although most of these cultivators were at the Foundation Establishment Realm, even Nascent Soul cultivators couldn’t withstand such overwhelming numbers. The Jade Pool Holy Maiden was enveloped in moonlight, but her face was deathly pale.

The cultivators had learned their lesson during the battle. Only a portion of them remained at the exit to block them, while the rest attacked from a distance, draining Mu Zhi’an and the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s Spiritual Energy.

Wei Mengrou was also helpless, blocked by the woman in the black dress, unable to assist Mu Zhi’an.

The woman in the black dress clearly wasn’t going all out; she simply wanted to stall Wei Mengrou. Her expression remained relaxed, as if she were a cat playing with a mouse.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to kill her. Her constitution was special, and she had sensed something strange within the maid in the yellow dress. If she attacked rashly, there might be unforeseen consequences.

“Even with Replenishing Essence Pills, my Spiritual Energy is running out. If this continues, I’m finished…” Mu Zhi’an looked at the dense crowd, his heart sinking.

But if he retreated now, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden would undoubtedly become the target of everyone’s attacks.

If they didn’t retreat, they might both die here.

At this moment, he suddenly sensed a terrifying surge of Spiritual Energy emanating from the Jade Pool Holy Maiden. She turned to look at him and transmitted her voice, “Young Master Mu, I’ll send you away.”

Her usually clear and bright eyes had turned golden.

Chapter 219: Upheaval in the Jade Pool p2

That being said, in a few days, once Mu Zhi’an recovered, if the Jade Empress beckoned him with a finger, he would probably still accompany her in bed.

As Mu Zhi’an watched the group depart, a cold voice suddenly reached his ears. “I hope to have the opportunity to spar with you. Don’t disappoint me.”

Hmm… Judging from his appearance, he must be the typical arrogant character destined to be a stepping stone for Ye Yu… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, choosing to ignore him.

Ever since he had continuously weakened Ye Yu’s ‘protagonist’ status, Ye Yu’s protagonist aura had become increasingly faint, to the point where he barely had any presence now.

However, Mu Zhi’an still wasn’t the protagonist.

Although he didn’t mind, he couldn’t help but feel a little speechless.

This Xianxia world must be messed up.

Logically, since he had weakened Ye Yu’s protagonist status, shouldn’t his own protagonist status increase? But why were all the good things going to Bai Ruoxi, Ye Lingxuan, and the others?

If one day his character status in the system interface showed titles like ‘Female Lead’ or ‘Cheat,’ Mu Zhi’an wouldn’t be surprised.

But he didn’t really care. After all, the stronger the girls around him became, the easier his future would be.

A blissful harem life awaited him.

“Young friend Mu, is everything alright with Senior Jade Empress?”

At this moment, a gentle voice reached his ears, pulling Mu Zhi’an back to reality from his fantasy of a future crystal palace.

Mu Zhi’an calmed himself and met the kind gaze of the beautiful woman, nodding. “Senior Jade Empress has enough Spiritual Energy and is currently condensing her Vessel. She will finish her closed-door cultivation in a while.”

According to the Jade Empress, condensing the Vessel wouldn’t take long. However, replenishing the Spiritual Energy within the Vessel might require some time.

The Spiritual Energy from the outside world alone wasn’t enough to fully restore her Vessel. To fill it completely, she could either absorb the life force of the entire Eastern Realm or take it slowly.

Or… she could obtain Spiritual Energy from Mu Zhi’an every now and then.

The Innate Celestial Furnace provided four to five times the amount of Spiritual Energy compared to external sources. Using it could quickly replenish her Vessel.

Of course, for someone like the Jade Empress, it probably wouldn’t be that easy to fully replenish her Vessel.

It was a major project that required day and night efforts.

“By the way, Empress Mother, there’s something I need to report,” Mu Zhi’an suddenly said.

Under the Jade Pool Empress Mother’s questioning gaze, Mu Zhi’an used voice transmission this time. “There are indeed no remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators in Sacred King City. However, this doesn’t mean that the Primordial Demon Emperor’s subordinates have given up on obtaining the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother’s eyes flickered. “What do you mean, young friend?”

“There might not be any Demonic Cultivators in Sacred King City, but that doesn’t mean there are no enemies… The enemy could be one of our own,” Mu Zhi’an said.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother, a highly intelligent woman, pondered Mu Zhi’an’s words.

After a moment, her red lips parted slightly, and even her voice transmission was subconsciously lowered. “You mean to say that someone within the Eastern Realm’s Primordial Clans is secretly colluding with Demonic Cultivators?”

“But why…?”

Colluding with Demonic Cultivators was a capital offense, and it would bring shame upon the entire Eastern Realm, forever etched in history as a disgrace.

The Primordial Clans held a high status in the Eastern Realm. They wouldn’t risk such a thing for a small profit.

“Naturally, they must have been offered benefits tempting enough to make them agree.”

Mu Zhi’an paused. “Of course, this is just a guess. But it’s best not to allow any Primordial Clan members into the Jade Pool Sacred Land recently. Even if the Heavenly Phoenix Tree hasn’t borne fruit again, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother nodded slightly.

Then, as if remembering something, she suddenly froze, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

“Did you think of something, Empress Mother?” Mu Zhi’an noticed her unusual behavior and couldn’t help but ask through voice transmission.

“The two Sect Masters just now both wanted to exchange for the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit with the Jade Pool. And the price they offered was nearly half of their clan’s resources,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother suddenly said.

Half of their resources might not sound like much.

But these were Primordial Clans with deep foundations. Half of their resources was an astronomical figure, enough for the Jade Pool Sacred Land to forcefully cultivate two or more Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.

That was why the Jade Pool Empress Mother hadn’t refused outright and had said she needed to consider it.

But now that Mu Zhi’an had brought this up… it raised great doubts in the mind of the Jade Pool’s leader.

What did the Violet Rainbow Sect and the Profound Sky Sect need the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit for? Why were they willing to exchange so many resources for it?

According to them, it was because an old monster in their clan was nearing death and needed the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit for Nirvana rebirth.

But what if… the one who needed the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit wasn’t an old monster from their clan, but the Primordial Demon Emperor?

The Jade Pool Empress Mother’s eyes flickered, and she immediately made a decision – to have the Two Polarities Sect send people to the Jade Pool Sacred Land to help guard the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.

Currently, no Primordial Clan could be trusted, as they didn’t know who the traitor was.

The only one they could unconditionally trust was the Two Polarities Sect.

Just as the Jade Pool Empress Mother thought this, a maid hurriedly approached and said urgently, “Empress Mother, the Jade Pool is sealed by a mysterious barrier! Everyone in the clan is trapped inside!”

Something’s wrong… Mu Zhi’an’s heart sank.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother’s expression changed, and she immediately formed a hand seal.

A wisp of green Spiritual Energy shot towards the sky above the Jade Pool Sacred Land. However, it was instantly shattered by a pre-existing barrier.

Then, a cold and eerie voice slowly echoed throughout the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

“Sometimes, being too smart isn’t a good thing.”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother abruptly looked up. A man in a green robe walked towards them, and behind him was the Sect Master of the Violet Rainbow Sect, who had just left.

“What is the meaning of this, Sect Masters?” The Jade Pool Empress Mother’s voice was laced with anger, but she felt immense pressure in her heart.

For them to openly turn against her like this, they must have made thorough preparations.

Mu Zhi’an’s guess had been timely, but he hadn’t expected the enemy to be so decisive, giving them no time to react.

Not far away, a ripple of emotion appeared in the usually calm eyes of the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.

No one had anticipated this sudden turn of events; it caught everyone off guard.

“Nothing much. We just want the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, but we’re worried that Empress Mother might try to destroy the tree later, so we’re here to prevent that,” said Fu Yuan, the Sect Master of the Profound Sky Sect, with a faint smile as he clasped his hands behind his back.

“If the Heavenly Phoenix Tree is destroyed, our promise will be broken, and we’ll face tribulation lightning,” the man in the green robe added with a hearty laugh.

“What do you need the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit for?” The Jade Pool Empress Mother stared at them.

At the same time, she discreetly formed a hand seal, attempting to send a signal from the Jade Pool once more.

The woman in the black dress beside them smiled seductively and said softly, “Don’t bother. The Jade Pool’s formations are indeed unbreakable, but that doesn’t mean the inside is equally secure.”

The signal failed to send again, further weighing down the Jade Pool Empress Mother’s heart. She fixed her gaze on the people before her.

At this moment, even a fool could understand their true intentions.

“You’re betraying the Eastern Realm?!” The Jade Pool Empress Mother said gravely.

“The word ‘betrayal’ doesn’t apply to us.”

Fu Yuan chuckled nonchalantly. “Demonic Cultivators from the Demon Realm have sealed the Jade Pool and attacked the Jade Pool elders. The Jade Pool Empress Mother has colluded with Mu Zhi’an and the Demonic Cultivators, working together from the inside and outside.”

He looked at Mu Zhi’an with a gentle gaze and smiled. “After the news is exposed, the Jade Pool Empress Mother will be defeated by the two Sect Masters, and Mu Zhi’an will commit suicide out of guilt.”

“Are you satisfied with this arrangement?”

Chapter 219: Upheaval in the Jade Pool p1

“No one ever said our enemies were limited to the remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators, right?”

Under Wei Mengrou’s gaze, Mu Zhi’an slowly continued, “Certain benefits are enough to drive people to madness.”

It wasn’t necessarily true that only Demonic Cultivators were enemies. Perhaps, from the very beginning, the ‘Demonic Cultivators’ had been among them all along.

It might sound fantastical, but with enough benefits at stake, people could be swayed.

For example… an eighth-grade medicinal pill.

Since the Primordial Demon Emperor was willing to give Mu Zhi’an a Soul Nourishing Pill that day, Mu Zhi’an wouldn’t be surprised if he could produce another one now.

It didn’t have to be a Soul Nourishing Pill; it could be any other eighth-grade pill.

After all, eighth-grade pills were undoubtedly refined from Imperial-Grade Medicinal Herbs and contained a trace of Dao.

This Dao could be the key to breaking through from the Nascent Soul Realm to the Soul Transformation Realm.

Even the slightest chance could make people disregard the consequences.

As for worrying about the Primordial Demon Emperor going back on his word and not giving the pill later… that was impossible.

After all, once an oath was made with the Heavenly Dao as witness, it couldn’t be changed.

Although it was just a guess, it was better to be safe than sorry… Mu Zhi’an pondered for a moment, found an open space nearby, and took out a paper crane from his storage ring.

This was one of Lan Mulian’s Magic Treasures. Its designated location was the back mountain of Two Polarities Peak.

Currently, it wasn’t convenient for him to return to the Two Polarities Sect, but he could use this letter to ask his senior sister to inquire about the remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators from Ying Guhuan.

After writing the letter, Mu Zhi’an released the paper crane, watching it disappear into the distance, enveloped in immortal energy, before retracting his gaze.

“Let’s return to the Jade Pool.”

This matter was of great importance. If his suspicions were true, then destroying the Heavenly Phoenix Tree might be the safest option.

Although this method would undoubtedly cripple the Jade Pool.

He didn’t know the exact value of the Heavenly Phoenix Tree, but judging from the reverence and affection the Jade Pool disciples held for it, he could tell its significance to them.

Regardless, he could only take things one step at a time for now.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother was a reasonable and understanding woman. Even if she disagreed with destroying the Heavenly Phoenix Tree, she should be able to come up with other solutions.

…

Jade Pool Sacred Land, back garden.

Near a pond with blooming lotuses, a woman with a dignified and elegant appearance sat at an octagonal table made of white jade within a pavilion.

She wore no makeup, her hair simply tied up. Her beauty was captivating, but her dignified aura created a sense of distance.

Not far from the Jade Pool Holy Maiden sat Shi Fei, the second young master of the Profound Sky Sect.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother stood by the pond, chatting with two Sect Masters from Primordial Clans.

From their appearance, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden and the Jade Empress seemed to be of similar age. However, compared to the Empress, the Holy Maiden lacked a certain mystique, and her cleavage wasn’t as awe-inspiring.

Other than that, there wasn’t much difference.

Every generation of Jade Pool Holy Maidens had been exceptionally talented, and Yao Yue, the current Holy Maiden, was no exception. Her Innate Dao Body was even more outstanding than those of her predecessors.

Looking at the elders in the distance, Shi Fei sighed. “Holy Maiden Yao Yue is incredibly talented. At such a young age, she’s already at the seventh-grade Core Formation Realm. Reaching the Nascent Soul Realm is only a matter of time.”

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden smiled faintly. “Young Master Shi is also at the fourth-grade Core Formation Realm now. With your talent, reaching the Nascent Soul Realm shouldn’t be difficult.”

Her voice was always clear and pleasant, her pale white dress accentuating her near-perfect figure. Her posture was graceful, and her eyes sparkled.

Shi Fei seemed to enjoy the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s words. A faint smile appeared on his face, which he quickly suppressed, seemingly trying to maintain the demeanor of a humble and composed young master.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden naturally noticed this, but she maintained her gentle smile, as if oblivious.

She had seen far too many young masters like Shi Fei.

They appeared refined and courteous, with excellent family backgrounds and abundant cultivation resources, which made them somewhat arrogant.

Yet, in front of her, they would restrain their arrogance and try to appear humble.

Almost all young masters had a similar mentality.

For some reason, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden thought of another person.

Mu Zhi’an also seemed to be a young master from a good family… but she had never seen him act arrogantly.

However, whenever he saw her, he would occasionally sneak glances at her chest and thighs.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden was very sensitive to others’ gazes, but she had never mentioned this to Mu Zhi’an.

Overall, though, despite both being young masters, chatting with Mu Zhi’an was much more comfortable and less awkward.

As for the reason, she couldn’t say for sure. Perhaps it was because Mu Zhi’an was naturally good at finding topics to make girls happy.

Looking at the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s beautiful profile, Shi Fei smiled. “With your beauty, Holy Maiden, you must have many suitors. Don’t you have any feelings for any of them?”

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden smiled demurely. “I’ll leave it to fate. I’m not particularly interested in romance.”

Shi Fei chuckled and was about to speak again.

At that moment, a young man stepped into the back garden.

He wore a black robe with gold trim, exuding an extraordinary aura. Beside him walked a beauty in a yellow dress. Although she concealed her aura, her delicate and refined beauty was still evident.

Many people were chatting in the back garden, and as Mu Zhi’an entered, their gazes turned towards him.

The Jade Empress’s return to the Jade Pool to condense her Vessel was a high-profile event, even if she wanted to keep it low-key. The news had spread throughout the Eastern Realm.

Mu Zhi’an’s name was also mentioned by many.

The reason was related to the rumors that had spread in the past two days.

Initially, the news was that the Jade Empress needed Spiritual Energy to condense her Vessel. Later, it evolved into the Jade Empress dual cultivating with Mu Zhi’an… Until today, the rumor had become that the Jade Empress and a young cultivator at the Core Formation Realm were Dao Companions.

This news was absurd, and most people didn’t believe it.

However, some Primordial Clans who knew about Mu Zhi’an’s constitution felt it wasn’t impossible.

At least Mu Zhi’an dual cultivating with the Jade Empress… wasn’t out of the question.

Under the gazes of the crowd, Mu Zhi’an entered the back garden, looked around, and thought to himself: Why are there so many people in the Jade Pool Sacred Land today…?

It doesn’t seem like it’s just people from the Jade Pool…

As Mu Zhi’an thought this, he suddenly sensed two slightly dangerous auras.

He looked towards two unfamiliar middle-aged men standing near the Jade Pool Empress Mother and couldn’t help but feel a chill.

He couldn’t sense their auras at all, which meant they were both likely at the Nascent Soul Realm.

One of the men wore a green robe and had an imposing presence.

Beside him stood a woman in a black dress, her eyes adorned with eyeshadow, her face like a blooming peach. Her red lips were slightly pursed, and her beautiful eyes gazed at him with affection.

Mu Zhi’an calmly approached and cupped his fists. “Junior Mu Zhi’an greets Empress Mother and the two seniors.”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother, with her gentle smile, nodded slightly. The man in the green robe chuckled and said, “So this young friend is Mu Zhi’an?”

“As the rumors say, he’s truly a rare talent.”

Mu Zhi’an bowed, his expression humble.

At this moment, the Jade Pool Empress Mother smiled at the two men. “I will consider your proposal and give you an answer within the next two days.”

The two Sect Masters cupped their fists. The Sect Master of the Violet Rainbow Sect smiled warmly. “We have cooperated many times in the past. I believe you can trust my character. I hope Empress Mother will reconsider.”

With that, the two men left with the elders who had accompanied them.

As the beautiful woman in the black dress passed by Mu Zhi’an, she looked at him with tender eyes and smiled. “Young friend Mu, if you have time in the next two days, you can come find this seat(represents a person’s authority) at the Formless Tower in Sacred King City. I’m quite interested in your story.”

This seat…?

She looked like a girl of seventeen or eighteen. I didn’t expect her to be an elder. As expected, you can’t judge people by their appearance in the world of cultivation… Mu Zhi’an bowed. “If I have time in the future, I will pay you a visit.”

The corners of the black-dressed beauty’s lips curled up, and she gave him a seductive smile before gracefully departing.

Whether intentionally or not, her hips swayed alluringly as she walked, her dress outlining her breathtaking curves.

Although she was an elder, she looked more like a sexy beauty… She couldn’t compare to the Jade Empress or Ruoxi in terms of looks, but she had a top-notch figure.

Mu Zhi’an assessed in his mind.

However… He wasn’t someone who would be easily swayed.

Throughout the encounter, Mu Zhi’an’s gaze remained calm, unaffected by her charm.

Under normal circumstances, he might have been tempted, but now…

Forget about this elder; even if the Jade Empress stood before him, he wouldn’t feel anything for the time being.

He was tired of the Jade Empress!

Chapter 218: The Greatest Enemy Lies Within the Imperial Court!

Jade Pool, Ancestral Land.

Within the grand hall, the Jade Empress leaned against the medicinal bath, the water covering her up to her chest, faintly revealing a pair of snow-white shoulders floating on the surface.

Above the bath, a clear and melodious phoenix cry echoed. The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, as if a real phoenix, circled in mid-air before transforming into a wisp of red smoke and entering the Jade Empress’s body.

Legend had it that the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit possessed the effect of ‘Nirvana.’ As long as one’s consciousness remained, even a damaged or completely destroyed vessel could be reconstructed.

The Jade Empress closed her eyes slightly, quietly refining the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.

White mist lingered above the bath, her body faintly visible. Her waterfall-like hair was tied up, a few strands falling onto her jade-like neck. She appeared less aloof and more languid, with a touch of earthly charm.

Below her neck, though obscured by the bath and mist, one could still sense her captivating beauty.

Hmm… Although I’ve seen it more than once before, the Jade Empress is truly unfathomable.

Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly.

He waited patiently until the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit was completely refined by the Jade Empress before slowly approaching her from behind.

“Is the refinement complete?” Mu Zhi’an asked, looking at her from behind.

As if sensing the slightly burning gaze behind her, the Jade Empress nodded slightly, letting out a soft “Mm” amidst the misty air.

Seeing this, Mu Zhi’an stepped forward. “I’ll help you condense your vessel.”

And take this opportunity to get revenge for her teasing me earlier… As Mu Zhi’an thought this, he was about to step into the bath.

However, after taking just two steps, he suddenly felt a somewhat familiar sensation on his wrist.

…Judging from the touch, it should be something like a rope.f

Mu Zhi’an looked down. At some point, a slender green vine had silently crawled onto his wrist from beside him and was now gently lifting him towards the Jade Empress.

Mu Zhi’an: “…”

“Empress…?” After a brief silence, Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but look at the Jade Empress.

Why is she so eager…? Last time, she at least waited until after we were done once before summoning this vine. This time, she’s already restraining me before we even start.

The Jade Empress covered her chest with one hand and slowly stood up.

“Didn’t I say it before? I can immediately sense whether someone is lying or even their ‘malice’,” she said softly, her voice alone enough to evoke fondness.

Looking at the young man brought before her by the vine, the Jade Empress’s eyes held a faint smile. “Although I know your malice just now wasn’t true malice, we don’t have time to play around right now.”

“So, let me take the lead.”

Mu Zhi’an: “…”

Listening to the pleasant voice beside his ear, Mu Zhi’an suddenly realized something serious.

Whether he could tease this Empress or not didn’t seem to be up to him.

If she summoned the vine, he didn’t seem to have any good countermeasures for the time being…

But forget it…

Looking at the faint blush on the Jade Empress’s beautiful face and her alluring figure as she slowly approached him, Mu Zhi’an decided to stop thinking.

It didn’t matter to him; he wouldn’t lose out either way.

…

An hour later.

Mu Zhi’an embraced the Jade Empress’s slender waist, silently enjoying her warmth.

“Empress, do you need more?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

The Jade Empress shook her head gently, maintaining her composure. “Considering your body… We can take it slow, no rush.”

For an hour, the Innate Celestial Vessel had repeatedly absorbed Spiritual Energy from the bath and transferred it to the Jade Empress.

Next, the Jade Empress only needed to use the temporarily condensed vessel from the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit to reconstruct her true vessel, and Mu Zhi’an’s task would be complete.

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “I don’t mind. I’m still young; I can handle it.”

As he said this, his attention was quickly drawn to her beauty.

Her previously tied-up hair was now slightly disheveled, strands falling onto her delicate face. Her high nose bridge, slightly pursed lips… she exuded a charm she hadn’t shown before, a blend of purity and allure.

Sensing Mu Zhi’an’s gaze, the Jade Empress looked straight ahead, avoiding his eyes, seemingly trying to maintain her usual aloofness and the dignified demeanor of an Empress.

Seeing her aloof posture, Mu Zhi’an felt a playful urge. He leaned in slightly and kissed her cheek, her skin snow-white and smooth, emitting a faint fragrance.

The Jade Empress’s body trembled. An ambiguous atmosphere filled the air between them. Her cheeks gradually flushed, her eyes revealing shame, confusion, a struggle to maintain her composure… and a gradually hazy gaze.

She turned to Mu Zhi’an slightly and whispered, “If you continue like this, I won’t consider your physical condition anymore.”

Mu Zhi’an scoffed inwardly. What can you do to me?

He gave a gentle and bright smile. “I don’t need to rest anymore, Empress. You don’t have to worry about my physical condition.”

Without any concern, he continued to kiss her.

The Jade Empress’s eyes flickered as she gazed into Mu Zhi’an’s eyes.

Her eyes shimmered with a hint of affection.

…

The next morning.

Mu Zhi’an leaned against the edge of the bath, looking up at the ceiling of the grand hall, seemingly pondering the meaning of human existence.

The Jade Empress placed a cool hand on his, her stunningly beautiful face close to his. She kissed his cheek, her eyes filled with a tenderness she hadn’t shown before.

“What’s wrong?” Sensing Mu Zhi’an’s gaze, the Jade Empress asked.

“I feel like this isn’t like you…” Mu Zhi’an said with some surprise, wondering if the Jade Empress had been swapped. Yesterday, she was still reserved, but her behavior later on was a bit off, too proactive.

“My personality is indeed affected during the vessel condensation process, but don’t worry. Once my vessel is fully condensed, I’ll return to my original state,” the Jade Empress said with a faint smile, a hint of charm in her eyes.

What’s the principle behind this…? Personality changes during vessel condensation?

Is she sure she’s not taking advantage of my naivety…?

“Are you not up for it anymore?” The Jade Empress’s clear and melodious voice echoed in his ear, carrying a faint fragrance that refreshed his mind.

“Heh, Empress, you jest. There’s nothing I can’t handle,” Mu Zhi’an naturally refused to admit defeat and responded immediately.

It was rare to see the Jade Empress so proactive, so he wouldn’t hold back.

Late at night.

Outside the forest, silver moonlight cascaded down. Occasionally, the sounds of wild beasts scurrying through the undergrowth could be heard.

“E-Empress, why don’t you meditate for a while and let me rest…?” Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but ask.

The Jade Empress shook her head gently. “Time is of the essence. I need to condense my vessel as soon as possible and eliminate all troubles. I can’t be idle.”

Mu Zhi’an: “…”

Well… It’s fine. Such a stunningly beautiful Empress actively seeking his affection… Even if it’s tiring, what does it matter?

Mu Zhi’an gritted his teeth, unafraid, determined to match her Dao Integration Realm with his Core Formation Realm body.

…

Late at night.

Jade Pool Sacred Land.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother sat on her throne, quietly sensing the deterrent power emanating from the activated formations.

The Heavenly Phoenix Tree had just borne its first fruit, and although it had been consumed by the Jade Empress, they couldn’t let their guard down.

The remaining fruits couldn’t fall into the hands of the remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators.

As early as yesterday, when the Jade Empress and Mu Zhi’an left, the Jade Pool Sacred Land had activated the formations. If any Demonic Cultivator entered, the formations would instantly crush them.

At this moment, a Jade Pool female disciple approached. “Empress Mother, the Vice Sect Master of the Profound Sky Sect and the Sect Master of the Violet Rainbow Sect request an audience.”

“The Profound Sky Sect and the Violet Rainbow Sect…?”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother pondered for a moment, then nodded. “Invite them in.”

Within the Eastern Realm, the Jade Pool Sacred Land had close ties with several factions. The Profound Sky Sect and the Violet Rainbow Sect were two of them. The three factions had cooperated many times in the past.

The two Sects coming at this time probably meant they had important matters to discuss.

…

Meanwhile.

Time passed silently. Unknowingly, another day had gone by.

Mu Zhi’an pushed open the ancient and heavy iron doors of the grand hall and slowly walked out.

He supported his waist with one hand and looked up at the dazzling sunlight, as if reborn. He let out a slow breath, his tense body relaxing.

He used to think that suppressing a Dao Integration Realm expert with his Core Formation Realm body wouldn’t be a problem.

But now it seemed… he might need more practice.

As Mu Zhi’an left the hall, the iron doors slowly closed on their own.

Then, a formation silently activated, concealing everything within the hall.

This was the Ancestral Land’s formation, also personally created by the Jade Empress.

She would condense her true vessel within the next half a month and return to the Dao Integration Realm.

Outside the hall, several elders noticed Mu Zhi’an, their eyes filled with strange expressions.

Mu Zhi’an had arrived on the morning of the day before yesterday and only left this morning… It had been two whole days.

Coupled with his current posture… It was hard not to be suspicious.

Mu Zhi’an paid no mind to their strange gazes. He simply cupped his fists towards the elders, collected his thoughts, then took out three Replenishing Essence Pills and swallowed them before flying away from the Ancestral Land on his sword.

He was still concerned about the remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators and wanted to investigate further.

According to the Demon Realm Empress, his Demon Realm Mark would react if there were any Demonic Cultivators nearby.

If the Demonic Cultivators weren’t in the city but gathered in the forests outside, as long as their numbers were sufficient, his mark would still react.

However, in the past ten days, he had been both inside and outside the city but hadn’t detected any trace of them.

This meant that the remnants under the Primordial Demon Emperor either hadn’t come to the Jade Pool Sacred Land or had come in small numbers and hadn’t entered Sacred King City. Coupled with their concealed auras, his Demon Realm Mark hadn’t reacted.

Regardless of the possibility, further investigation was necessary.

Of course, before that, he needed to let his body recover…

I never thought that the Jade Empress, who usually appears cold and aloof, would be even more passionate than me once she gets into it… Mu Zhi’an thought with a sigh.

He didn’t quite believe what the Jade Empress had said about personality changes during vessel condensation… Wasn’t that just “coaxing a child”?

Of course, those who blindly worshipped the Jade Empress might actually believe her words.

But Mu Zhi’an clearly didn’t.

Wei Mengrou silently followed behind Mu Zhi’an, not disturbing his thoughts.

This maid was always so reassuring, although she still held a certain disdain for her young master, which made Mu Zhi’an slightly helpless.

Leaving the Jade Pool Ancestral Land, Mu Zhi’an flew towards the Jade Pool on his sword, passing through the lush green forest.

After nearly half an hour, he suddenly felt a slight burning sensation in his chest.

His Demon Realm Mark had reacted!

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered, and he slowed down his flight, looking around.

He didn’t sense any Demonic Cultivator aura.

He pondered for a moment, then calmly said towards the empty forest, “How long are you going to hide?”

His voice fell, but there was still no response.

But Mu Zhi’an was also very patient, hovering before the forest.

Silence, pretending to be an expert.

“Young Master Mu is indeed quite perceptive. I have completely restricted my aura, yet you still detected me?”

After a while, a shadow distorted, and a masked man with a hideous appearance silently appeared within his sight.

Fifth-grade Core Formation?

Mu Zhi’an immediately discerned the man’s cultivation level. After two days of dual cultivation with the Jade Empress and the medicinal bath, he had also reached the second-grade Core Formation Realm. Coupled with his Innate Spiritual Body, he could roughly judge the level of other Core Formation cultivators.

“Demonic Cultivator?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

The man sneered. “Isn’t Young Master Mu asking the obvious?”

“You’re a Demonic Cultivator under the Primordial Demon Emperor, right?” Mu Zhi’an said calmly.

The man grinned. “Indeed, we are here for the grand revival plan of His Majesty, the Demon Emperor.”

“Young Master Mu, you promised to bring the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit to His Majesty. Now you’re watching the Jade Empress take it. Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head and smiled faintly. “I have sworn to the Demon Emperor that I will obtain the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit and Rebirth Water for him. Do you think I would dare to break my oath?”

The man fell silent.

Swearing to the heavens… In the Nine Realms, not many people dared to do that.

Because if they failed to fulfill their promise, they would be struck by lightning.

Moreover, when they reached a new cultivation level in the future, they might be plagued by inner demons due to their unfulfilled promise, severely hindering their future cultivation.

“Besides, you saw how the Jade Empress obtained the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit. In that situation, how could I make her obediently hand it over to me?” Mu Zhi’an continued.

After a moment of silence, the man said, “Can you obtain the second Heavenly Phoenix Fruit?”

“I’ll do my best,” Mu Zhi’an replied.

The man sneered. “In that case, I hope Young Master Mu can fulfill your promise soon.”

“How will I contact you then?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

“Just send it to the Pilgrimage Palace. There’s no need to contact us.” After saying that, the man was about to leave.

But at this moment, Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked, “Don’t you have any other benefits to offer me?”

As he spoke, his eyes held a hint of ‘greed’ as he looked at the man’s back.

The man paused, sneered, and said, “Once the matter is settled, I’ll give you three top-quality women with slave marks. Is that enough?”

This guy knows me well. He knows I’m an LSP(Lust-seeking Protagonist)… Mu Zhi’an’s face lit up with ‘joy’. He looked at the man and said, “Is that true?!”

“Naturally,” the man sneered. “But only if you can obtain the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit for us.”

“Now that the Jade Pool Sacred Land’s formations are activated, it’s almost impossible to enter from the outside and obtain the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit. However, you seem to be deeply trusted by the Jade Pool. Whether you can fulfill your promise and earn the Demon Emperor’s favor depends on you.”

After saying that, he turned into black smoke and vanished from sight.

Mu Zhi’an silently withdrew his gaze and flew away on his sword.

After a while, Wei Mengrou’s cold voice reached his ears. “They should know that you gave Spiritual Energy to the Jade Empress and helped her. Why didn’t they attack you?”

The rumors of Mu Zhi’an’s suspected dual cultivation with the Jade Empress were known to the outside world, and the remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators hiding in the shadows couldn’t possibly be unaware.

The fact that a remnant had been waiting for him on his way back from the Ancestral Land meant they had probably guessed something.

But throughout the encounter, the remnant hadn’t done anything to Mu Zhi’an, only giving him some instructions before leaving.

It was strange.

“They don’t trust me, but they trust the oath I made before the Demon Emperor that day, because the oath is witnessed by the Heavenly Dao and cannot be changed.”

Mu Zhi’an turned to Wei Mengrou and said slowly, “I’m just a part of their plan. It would be best if I could obtain the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit. If not, they will take action themselves.”

“However, they still hold a glimmer of hope in me.”

“You mean… they plan to seize the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit themselves?” Wei Mengrou raised her eyebrows slightly and swatted away Mu Zhi’an’s attempt to step behind her and fly on her sword with her. She continued, “Now that the Jade Pool’s formations are activated, and with the Jade Empress’s deterrence, are there any remnants who can break through the formations?”

Hearing this, Mu Zhi’an fell silent.

It was very strange.

His Demon Realm Mark hadn’t reacted at all within Sacred King City or the Jade Pool Sacred Land until just now, when it reacted to a remnant.

This meant that most of the Primordial Demon Emperor’s subordinates weren’t near the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit was extremely important to the Primordial Demon Emperor. Yet, for this operation to seize it, he had only sent a few subordinates?

They probably couldn’t even break through the Jade Pool’s formations, right?

Unless… they were to break through from within.

“…”

Mu Zhi’an suddenly froze.

“From within…” he muttered softly.

“What’s wrong?” The beauty in the yellow dress noticed her young master’s unusual behavior and couldn’t help but ask.

Mu Zhi’an slowly turned to Wei Mengrou, his expression blank. “My Demon Realm Mark hasn’t reacted, which means there are indeed no remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators in Sacred King City.”

“Perhaps there aren’t many remnants of the Primordial Demon Emperor in the Eastern Realm at all.”

“But who said that only Demonic Cultivators can be enemies of the Eastern Realm?”

Chapter 217: Mu Zhi’an’s Harem Crisis 

Mu Zhi’an could faintly hear the discussions taking place outside the Jade Pool.

He wondered, if he were to suddenly embrace the Jade Empress’s waist and shout, “Wife, look, so many people are watching us down there…” would he be beaten to death on the spot?

Of course, such thoughts were just fleeting fancies. Mu Zhi’an wasn’t that suicidal.

He looked at the Jade Empress not far ahead. She raised her fingertip, and the fire phoenix, formed from the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, shrunk quietly in mid-air, eventually landing on her fingertip.

Such divine objects often possessed a sliver of consciousness. Though they lacked true intelligence, they would instinctively attack anyone trying to pluck them or attempt to escape.

But this Heavenly Phoenix Fruit had never tried to escape, instinctively submitting to the Jade Empress.

“What are you thinking?” The Jade Empress seemed to notice Mu Zhi’an’s gaze and glanced at him, asking softly.

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. “Nothing… It’s just strange. I haven’t sensed any activity from remnants of the previous Demonic Cultivators within the Primordial Clans recently.”

Logically, his Demon Realm Mark should react to the presence of any Demonic Cultivator.

But the mark hadn’t reacted at all when he interacted with several major Primordial Clans, including elders from various Eastern Realm factions.

The Jade Empress had told him that the Demon Realm Mark didn’t differentiate between past and present Demonic Cultivators. As long as they were Demonic Cultivators, his mark would react to some extent. This was the authority granted to him by the Demon Realm Empress upon her arrival.

As for the reason… It was obvious. The Demon Realm Empress was far away in the Northern Realm and couldn’t act directly. But she could offer Mu Zhi’an some convenience, allowing him to temporarily detect any Demonic Cultivators present within the Jade Pool or even Sacred King City.

However, the investigation revealed that neither Sacred King City nor the Jade Pool Sacred Land had any spies.

This was very strange. If neither of these places had any remnants of Demonic Cultivators, wouldn’t that mean they weren’t even planning to seize the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit?

Of course, it was also possible that they weren’t hiding within Sacred King City but were concealed somewhere in the wilderness.

“It doesn’t matter. Once the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit is refined, it won’t matter if they have any tricks up their sleeves,” the Jade Empress said calmly.

Her tone was calm and filled with confidence in herself.

This was understandable. She had once suppressed even the terrifying Primordial Demon Emperor, let alone some remnants under his command.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly, then glanced at the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit in the Jade Empress’s hand. “Once this is refined, can you condense your vessel?”

The Jade Empress nodded slightly, then a faint blush appeared on her exquisite face. She glanced at him and said, “In addition to that, I also need…”

She seemed to find it difficult to speak, falling silent for a moment before continuing softly, “In addition to that, I also need your Spiritual Energy, so I might have to trouble you again…”

Her normally ethereal voice now carried a hint of shyness she hadn’t shown before.

Don’t be so polite, as if I could refuse you…

Mu Zhi’an put on a solemn expression and took the Jade Empress’s soft hand. “Fairy, you’re too kind. It’s my honor to help you condense your vessel. It’s no trouble at all!”

According to the Jade Empress’s previous estimation, the remaining Heavenly Phoenix Tree would need at least seven more days to bear fruit again.

During this time, the Jade Pool Sacred Land elders had activated the Jade Pool’s formations. If there were any external intrusions, they could rely on the formations to defend.

As a last resort, they would directly destroy the Heavenly Phoenix Tree to prevent it from bearing fruit again.

Of course, doing so would cause significant damage to the tree, potentially rendering it unable to bear fruit for nearly a century.

The Jade Empress nodded silently, gazing at Mu Zhi’an. “Absorb the surrounding Spiritual Energy into your body, then come with me.”

When the Heavenly Phoenix Tree bore fruit, the surrounding Spiritual Energy would be influenced by it, containing a hint of ‘Nirvana’ Dao韵. If one were to take this opportunity to absorb and comprehend the Spiritual Energy, they might gain something valuable.

This was also why the Jade Empress brought Mu Zhi’an to this place.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly. His Innate Celestial Vessel had been in a semi-vacant state recently, so it wouldn’t take long to absorb external Spiritual Energy.

However, he didn’t absorb all the Spiritual Energy influenced by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree into his Innate Celestial Vessel. Instead, he absorbed half and stopped.

Even a trace of the Heavenly Phoenix Tree’s Spiritual Energy could potentially allow one to comprehend its Dao. Obtaining more Spiritual Energy wouldn’t necessarily aid in comprehension.

With so many people watching below, Mu Zhi’an didn’t intend to seize all the opportunities for himself.

“Let’s go. I’ll take you to the Ancestral Land,” the Jade Empress said after waiting for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, hovering in mid-air.

The Jade Pool Ancestral Land was where the Jade Empress planned to condense her vessel and where she would later dual cultivate with Mu Zhi’an.

If the Jade Empress’s current immortal body was merely condensed with Rebirth Water, then after adding the ‘Nirvana’ of the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, it would become her true body from the past.

As for whether there was a difference between the two… Mu Zhi’an hadn’t experienced it yet, so he wasn’t sure.

Mu Zhi’an cupped his fists towards the crowd below, then left with the Jade Empress under the watchful eyes of the Jade Pool elders, including the Jade Pool Empress Mother.

“This young friend Mu is quite tactful. He didn’t absorb all the Dao brought by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree,” a cultivator in the crowd couldn’t help but say.

“This trace of Spiritual Energy might also allow us to comprehend the Dao within the Heavenly Phoenix Tree,” another cultivator beside him quickly raised his hand and snatched a small portion of the Spiritual Energy. Looking at Mu Zhi’an flying away, he felt a surge of goodwill towards him.

“Hmph, it’s no loss for him. He’s just offering a favor effortlessly,” someone sneered in the dark, disdaining Mu Zhi’an’s actions.

“Even if he obtained more Spiritual Energy from the Heavenly Phoenix Tree, the Dao he could comprehend would be the same, wouldn’t it?” the person continued.

Several gazes turned towards the speaker. It was a young man with a pale complexion and thin lips. He was quite handsome, and his luxurious robes added a touch of noble air to him.

“The second young master of the Profound Sky Sect in the Eastern Realm, Shi Fei!”

The people present were all influential figures in various parts of the Eastern Realm, so they immediately recognized his identity.

The Profound Sky Sect’s status in the Eastern Realm wasn’t comparable to behemoths like the Forbidden Zone, but it was on par with the Jade Pool.

Of course, if the Jade Empress truly condensed her vessel this time, the Jade Pool Sacred Land’s status would become incomparable to other factions.

To think that even people from the Profound Sky Sect have come… Many people read something specific from this young man’s presence.

Profound Sky Sect disciples rarely left their territory, and they were very far from the Jade Pool Sacred Land. Even if they traveled with all their might, it would probably take them more than five days.

It seemed that various factions in the Eastern Realm were secretly paying attention to the Jade Empress’s rebirth…

Initially, some people wondered why some major factions in Sacred King City hadn’t gathered completely. But now it seemed that certain Eastern Realm factions were likely observing from the shadows, just not showing themselves.

This time, the Jade Empress’s ability to reconstruct her vessel was a matter of great concern to all major factions in the Eastern Realm.

Because this was a historical moment. There might not be another Dao Integration Realm Empress in the future!

“If the Jade Empress successfully reconstructs her vessel this time, wouldn’t Mu Zhi’an be free from all worries in the future?” someone suddenly said with a hint of emotion, their eyes filled with unconcealed envy as they watched Mu Zhi’an depart.

Once the Jade Empress reconstructed her vessel, there would be another Empress in the world… With such a powerful protector, who would dare to lay a finger on Mu Zhi’an?

“That’s assuming the Jade Empress can condense her vessel. Mu Zhi’an might have been chosen by the Jade Empress to help her condense her vessel, but is Core Formation Realm Spiritual Energy really enough?” a voice of doubt arose.

The elders from several Primordial Clans in the crowd exchanged knowing glances before silently averting their eyes.

These people didn’t know that Mu Zhi’an was indeed at the Core Formation Realm, but his other vessel wasn’t.

As these people continued to discuss, more and more clouds in the sky were dyed crimson by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree. The chatter among the cultivators gradually ceased, and many of them took to their flying swords and ascended into the sky to absorb the Spiritual Energy.

The Spiritual Energy influenced by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree was all good stuff. They would absorb as much as they could… They could slowly comprehend it after returning. If they could gain something from it, this trip to the Jade Pool Sacred Land would be worthwhile.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother stood within the Sacred Land, watching the cultivators absorbing Spiritual Energy in the sky. She didn’t stop them; her thoughts seemed to have already followed the Jade Empress.

The Jade Empress chose the Jade Pool Ancestral Land as the location for condensing her vessel for two reasons. Firstly, it was to prevent the tribulation lightning from affecting others in the Jade Pool. Secondly, the Jade Pool Sacred Land’s ancestral artifact was hidden within the Ancestral Land, and the formations there were personally set up by the Jade Empress. Even if someone had malicious intentions, they would be annihilated by the formations.

This time, five Jade Pool elders, each at the Nascent Soul Realm, had gone to the Ancestral Land. They would work together to activate the formations and prevent anyone from entering.

And that was all they could do.

As for whether her vessel could be condensed and the Dao Integration Realm regained, it depended partly on the Jade Empress herself and partly on whether Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Vessel could continuously provide the Jade Empress with Spiritual Energy.

Whether the Innate Celestial Vessel could withstand the Jade Empress’s test would be seen this time.

If the Jade Empress truly reconstructed her vessel, Mu Zhi’an’s value would be magnified once again.

At that time… those Primordial Clans observing in the shadows would probably try their best to ‘trick’ Mu Zhi’an back into their families, regardless of the cost.

…

Jade Pool Ancestral Land(Ground).

This Ancestral Land was personally created by the Jade Empress. Every Jade Pool Holy Maiden was chosen here.

It could be said that the Ancestral Land held a sacred status in the hearts of the Jade Pool disciples.

The territories of the major factions in the Eastern Realm were vast, and the Jade Pool was no exception.

The Ancestral Land was located in the eastern part of the Jade Pool. Here, the mountains and forests were lush and green, with occasional unknown creatures flapping their wings and flying past, filling the air with the fragrance of medicinal herbs.

Deep within the mountains and forests stood a grand hall.

“Is this the Jade Pool Ancestral Land…?” Mu Zhi’an looked up at the ancient and sacred hall ahead, a sense of reverence rising in his heart.

On both sides of the hall, he vaguely sensed someone secretly observing them. He looked up and saw a female elder he had met before.

Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly at them, then glanced at the Jade Empress beside him. “Empress, when do you plan to start condensing your vessel?”

“No rush.”

The Jade Empress looked up at the sky, her green eyes unusually deep. She said calmly, “No rush. Just a little while longer.”

Has she already deduced the optimal time for condensing her vessel through divination…?

Mu Zhi’an understood.

“By the way, what’s your name?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked as he entered the hall with the Jade Empress.

She glanced at him, a faint smile in her eyes. “I’ll tell you next time.”

Even a name is used to tease me. This Empress really likes to play with people. She’s a bit of a sadist… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

Wait, I’ll tease her back later and let her taste what ‘torment’ feels like.

As Mu Zhi’an was thinking this, the Jade Empress had already stepped into the hall.

After walking along the corridor for a short while, they arrived at a bathing pool.

The water’s surface shimmered, crystal clear, exuding a refreshing medicinal fragrance.

This was prepared in advance by the Jade Pool Sacred Land to assist the Jade Empress in condensing her vessel.

The medicinal pills blended into this bath were priceless in the outside world. The Jade Pool had spent more than half of its resources on this.

Mu Zhi’an’s gaze fell on the Jade Empress, his thoughts becoming active.

Whether she sensed the young man’s gaze or not, the Jade Empress’s crystal-clear earlobes seemed to flush slightly. But under Mu Zhi’an’s gaze, she forced herself to appear natural. She gracefully approached the bath, one hand covering her ample bosom, and lightly tapped the water’s surface with her tiptoes.

Mu Zhi’an walked behind the Jade Empress, gazing at her back.

Her body, enveloped in the green dress, outlined a perfect and enchanting curve. Her delicate embroidered shoes had been removed at some point, and her flawless jade-like toes tapped the water, creating ripples.

Mu Zhi’an’s gaze fell on the water’s surface again.

With his Innate Spiritual Body, he could naturally sense how potent the medicinal pills in the bath were.

It feels like a waste to use it just for her bath… Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly.

Then his gaze returned to the Jade Empress.

But that was true. This bath wasn’t prepared for him; he could only have a sip of the soup, so to speak.

Hmm… But the main course wasn’t the soup; it was the meat…

“I have a few bottles of Rebirth Water. Let’s blend them in as well,” Mu Zhi’an said, taking out the Rebirth Water from his storage ring and pouring it into the bath.

A person could only consume Rebirth Water once; more wouldn’t have any effect. Previously, the Rebirth Pool had given him Rebirth Water multiple times due to his constitution, but it didn’t mean much to Mu Zhi’an.

However, it would still be quite helpful for condensing the Jade Empress’s vessel.

After all, the Spiritual Energy in Rebirth Water was incredibly rich, no less than some top-grade pills.

After doing all this, he looked at the Empress standing by the bath. Her thin clothes seemed barely able to conceal the ample charm of her bosom, and her body was enveloped in a hazy mist, through which he could vaguely make out a section of her slender, snow-white legs.

Mu Zhi’an’s heart stirred, his eyes filled with a burning desire. He took two steps forward and placed a hand on the Jade Empress’s soft, ample waist.

The Jade Empress’s delicate body trembled slightly. She glanced at Mu Zhi’an’s mischievous hand and gently pushed it away. “W-wait… I need to refine the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit first.”

Her voice now carried a shyness she rarely displayed.

“Alright.”

Mu Zhi’an grinned, revealing a bright smile.

Then, he saw a green lotus quietly bloom by the bath. The Jade Empress stepped onto the water’s surface, as if walking on solid ground, and approached the green lotus.

At this moment, a phoenix cry echoed throughout the hall.

The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit in the Jade Empress’s hand transformed into a burning phoenix that soared through the hall. Then, she sat down in the green lotus to cultivate and refine the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.

Mu Zhi’an was quite patient. He sat on the side and waited, leisurely admiring the Empress’s beauty and her slightly flushed cheeks.

He wasn’t in a hurry. After all, she was here now; she couldn’t run away, could she?

Boom!

After nearly half an hour, a thunderous sound reverberated through the sky.

Many people outside knew that this was the Jade Empress’s tribulation lightning!

She hadn’t even condensed her vessel yet, but it had already stirred the Heavenly Dao, and the tribulation lightning was already brewing!

On this day, countless gazes from cultivators all over the Eastern Realm converged on the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

Rumors of a close relationship between Mu Zhi’an and the Jade Empress spread from the Forbidden Zone to the Two Polarities Sect and then throughout the Eastern Realm…

Chapter 216: The Heavenly Phoenix Tree Bears Fruit

What was the Demon Realm Empress doing in the Eastern Realm?

Mu Zhi’an stared at her, his mind filled with questions.

She was the Demon Empress, ruler of the Northern Realm. And yet, she had chosen this sensitive time to come to the Eastern Realm, even possessing a young girl. He couldn’t ignore it.

That was why he had “reminded” the Jade Empress, prompting her to appear and observe the Demon Realm Empress’s actions.

Wang Ying, or rather, the Demon Realm Empress possessing her, looked up at the Jade Empress, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

“Your aura is so weak, and yet you still sensed my presence.”

Her voice was filled with genuine admiration. She had concealed her destiny to avoid detection, and she had only sent a wisp of her consciousness, possessing a mere Core Formation cultivator.

And yet, the Jade Empress had sensed her presence immediately.

“I would recognize your aura even if you concealed your destiny,” the Jade Empress replied, her gaze fixed on Wang Ying. “The Demon Realm Empress, sneaking into my chambers… what brings you here?”

“I was simply catching up with my subordinate. It has nothing to do with you,” Wang Ying replied with a smile, her voice soft.

“Subordinate?” The Jade Empress glanced at Mu Zhi’an. “He’s not a demon cultivator. How can he be your subordinate?”

Wang Ying licked her lips, her gaze meeting the Jade Empress’s, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I met this young cultivator a while ago and left a mark of the Demon Realm on him. He’s been working for me ever since.”

“But don’t worry, I have no interest in his relationships or his personal life. I marked him on a whim.”

She paused, then added, “However, to see the Jade Empress cultivating with an Innate Celestial Vessel… it’s quite surprising.”

The Jade Empress, her usually cold and aloof expression softening slightly, smiled faintly. “It wasn’t just for the spiritual energy.”

She continued, “It seems your current vessel is quite limited. You only know he’s an Innate Celestial Vessel. You’re unaware of the treasures his vessel contains, aren’t you?”

The Demon Realm Empress wasn’t in her true body. She had only sent a wisp of her consciousness, temporarily possessing Wang Ying.

A Core Formation cultivator without intimate contact with Mu Zhi’an, she wouldn’t be able to sense the true nature of his Innate Celestial Vessel.

“Oh?”

Wang Ying narrowed her eyes, studying Mu Zhi’an, a flicker of interest in her gaze.

He was indeed handsome, his features pleasing to the eye. Even she, having seen countless men, was impressed by his appearance.

But that was all… at least on the surface.

He was only at the First Stage of Core Formation. His talent was decent, but it wasn’t enough to impress her.

However, the Jade Empress’s words piqued her curiosity.

It was strange.

The Innate Celestial Vessel’s nature was fixed. It couldn’t evolve. And yet why would the Jade Empress cultivate with a mere Core Formation cultivator?

If his cultivation was at the Core Formation Realm, his vessel would be at the Nascent Soul level.

But even with a single session of dual cultivation, the amount of spiritual energy an Innate Celestial Vessel could provide was limited, even if they cultivated for an entire day, it wouldn’t be enough to completely deplete his vessel.

And yet, the Jade Empress’s current spiritual energy reserves were far greater than those of an ordinary Nascent Soul expert.

Even if they had cultivated non-stop, she shouldn’t have this much spiritual energy.

There was only one explanation: his Innate Celestial Vessel had been enhanced multiple times.

He shifted uncomfortably under her intense gaze, clearing his throat. “You came all the way to the Eastern Realm, Your Majesty, and even sought me out. There must be something important you need,” he said, hoping to steer the conversation away from his assets.

She was the most dangerous woman he had ever met, at least on the surface.

Among the Dao Integration experts he knew, Sect Master Shang Yanfei was a mystery, the Spirit Dragon was simple-minded, easily placated with food, and the Jade Empress… she was aloof and elegant, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze, her presence calming.

Though she appeared kind and approachable, she was difficult to handle.

Last night, he might have taken the initiative at first, but once those vines had wrapped around him… she had taken control.

And the Demon Realm Empress… her allure was so potent that he couldn’t even meet her gaze without feeling his heart race.

He was a seasoned playboy, with exceptional self-control. He could easily avoid looking at a woman if he wanted to.

But the Demon Realm Empress made his heart pound with a single glance.

It was her “charm” ability.

Even a wisp of her consciousness, possessing a young girl, was this alluring… if she were to appear in her true body, he might be forced to kneel before her.

He watched her, waiting for her to speak.

“I’m here because I need your help,” she finally said.

“It concerns the former Demon Emperor.”

He had already guessed it, but he waited for her to elaborate.

“After the former Demon Emperor was sealed, I purged the Northern Realm, eliminating the remnants of the previous regime. Though there are still a few remnants left, they’re insignificant,” she explained.

She looked at him, her voice softening. “I’ve cleansed the Northern Realm, but there are still many remnants in the Eastern Realm.”

His eyes widened, and he said, “Did the Seventh Seat tell you?”

He had used the Spirit Dragon’s power to scare away a remnant of the previous regime in Tianxuan City, and that remnant had been captured by Ying Guhuan and Yan Ruyu, taken to the Two Polarities Sect’s Enforcement Hall.

It seemed they had extracted some valuable information from that demon cultivator.

She nodded silently.

“After a thousand years, there are still remnants of the previous regime lurking in the shadows, and they’ve even infiltrated the Eastern Realm. This isn’t like you,” the Jade Empress said, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.

“Most of the remnants in the Northern Realm have been eliminated… as for the Eastern Realm, it’s not my concern,” the Demon Realm Empress replied calmly.

She could easily eliminate any remnants in the Northern Realm.

But even she couldn’t extend her reach to the Eastern Realm.

So she’s here to permanently eliminate the former Demon Emperor… He thought, listening to their conversation.

“You must guard the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit carefully. Once it ripens, it’ll be the perfect opportunity for those remnants to strike,” she continued.

“Can the former Demon Emperor rebuild his body without the Rebirth Water? Just with the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit?” he asked.

“His true body is unique. He can maintain his form for a short time even without the Rebirth Water,” the Jade Empress replied.

Sensing his confusion, she added, “His true form is the Nine-Life Heavenly Phoenix. If cultivated to its peak, it can achieve immortality. With the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, he can temporarily form a vessel and regain his power.”

He nodded thoughtfully.

“With Your Majesty and the Jade Empress guarding the Heavenly Phoenix Tree, shouldn’t it be safe?” he asked.

She tapped the table lightly with her finger, her voice calm. “The wisp of my consciousness residing within this girl will soon fade. I won’t be able to help you.”

“As for her…”

She glanced at the Jade Empress, sensing her current state. “If I recall correctly, the Heavenly Phoenix Tree doesn’t bear all its fruits at once. It ripens one fruit every few days. And once she obtains the first fruit, she’ll need to refine it and rebuild her vessel.”

Is she that weak?

He glanced at the Jade Empress, surprised. Her green dress accentuated her curves, her face, flushed from their earlier activities, was as beautiful as a painting.

She didn’t look weak at all.

But the Demon Realm Empress wouldn’t lie about something like this.

She must be in a critical condition.

If that was the case, they would have to find a way to protect the remaining fruits while she was refining the first one…

If the former Demon Emperor obtained the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, the Eastern Realm would be plunged into chaos.

Even a weakened Dao Integration expert’s final struggle would be devastating.

The Demon Realm Empress continued talking about the remnants of the previous regime, and he listened carefully.

They were likely hiding among the ancient families, perhaps even as elders, lurking within Sacred King City.

And their goal was the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.

If the Jade Empress was truly weakened, they would have to strengthen the Heavenly Phoenix Tree’s defenses.

…

As they chatted, he noticed a faint purple mist rising from Wang Ying’s body. Then, the beautiful woman in the red dress collapsed onto the table, unconscious.

The Demon Realm Empress’s wisp of consciousness had faded.

Silence fell upon the room.

Wei Mengrou stepped forward, helping Wang Ying up. “I’ll take her back,” she said.

She always knew when to leave, silently watching over her young master.

He watched them leave, then his gaze shifted to the Jade Empress. His eyes widened as he noticed her hand, her skin smooth and fair, was slightly translucent, as if she was fading away.

He took her hand, his fingers closing around hers. It was cold, as if it could vanish at any moment.

If not for the Demon Realm Empress’s words, he wouldn’t have noticed, after all, she had been so powerful earlier, effortlessly suppressing those three Nascent Soul elders. It was difficult to imagine such a being fading away.

But it seemed… she was truly in a critical condition.

His spiritual energy was only sustaining her body. Without a vessel, she would eventually vanish.

She looked at him, a faint smile on her lips. “Don’t worry about me. I told you, the Rebirth Water can sustain my body for at least a month. I just need to consume the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit before then.”

She paused, then added, “Besides, I’ve lived for a long time. Even if I fade away, it’s just the natural order of things. There’s no need to be sad.”

He frowned, tightening his grip on her hand, his gaze fixed on her beautiful face. “No one truly accepts death. If we could live forever, who wouldn’t want to?”

She chuckled. “Eternal life sounds appealing, but when you watch your friends succumb to time, one by one, leaving you alone…”

She looked at him, her voice soft. “You might change your mind.”

“Let’s just focus on the present. At least you still have me, right?” He wrapped his arm around her waist, savoring the feel of her soft skin, even through the thin fabric of her dress.

He didn’t know what she was thinking. Perhaps she truly had seen too much death, too much loss, and had grown weary of the world.

His goal was simple: to make her feel loved.

Their relationship might not be that deep yet.

But feelings could develop over time.

Her melancholy vanished as he held her close, his hand moving from her waist to her hip, his lips seeking hers.

She glanced at the door, then turned to him. “Wait… close the door—”

Before she could finish her sentence, he captured her lips with his, his voice echoing in her mind, “It’s fine. This is your chamber. No one will come in…”

His hand moved to the silk ribbon at her waist, and he looked at her, his gaze lingering on her.

She met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with amusement, her cheeks flushed, her beauty even more alluring.

“Close your eyes. Leave the rest to me,” he whispered.

…

Ten days passed.

He had visited Sacred King City to see if the Demon Realm Empress’s consciousness was still within Wang Ying and to see if he could sense any remnants of the previous regime.

Several elders from ancient families had taken the opportunity to invite him to their homes, promising to introduce him to their daughters.

He hadn’t refused their invitations, but he hadn’t accepted them either.

He had simply said, “Maybe next time.”

…

Two days later, a tremor shook the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

A phoenix’s cry echoed from the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

The tree was bearing fruit, its fiery glow illuminating the sky, the phoenix’s cry reverberating through the heavens.

Cultivators gathered outside the Jade Pool Sacred Land, watching the spectacle unfold.

The Heavenly Phoenix Tree was renowned throughout the Eastern Realm, and its fruiting was a rare sight.

And this time was even more special.

The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit would help the Jade Empress rebuild her vessel and regain her full power.

They stared at the sky, painted red by the Heavenly Phoenix Tree’s fiery glow.

“Look! The Jade Empress is coming out!” a cultivator exclaimed.

They all turned to see her, her green dress billowing in the wind, her figure bathed in a soft, silver light, as ethereal and beautiful as a celestial being.

She walked towards the fiery phoenix in the sky, her movements graceful, her delicate feet, untouched by the flames, as white as jade.

“She truly is an extraordinary woman,” a rogue cultivator murmured, his eyes filled with admiration.

“Even weakened, a Dao Integration Empress is beyond our reach. This trip to Sacred King City was worth it,” another cultivator said, his admiration tinged with a hint of love.

“If she truly recovers with the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit, we’ll have witnessed history.”

“But she needs spiritual energy to rebuild her vessel… I wonder how she’ll obtain it,” a more skeptical cultivator remarked.

“She’s the Jade Empress. She must have a secret technique to temporarily obtain spiritual energy. She used it to suppress those three Nascent Soul experts when she returned to the Jade Pool, didn’t she?” another cultivator speculated.

They all believed that the Jade Empress, a being of unparalleled beauty and power, could achieve anything, even without a vessel.

She did have a secret technique to temporarily obtain spiritual energy from the environment.

However, that spiritual energy could only be used for attacks, not for personal cultivation.

“Why is there a young man with her?” a cultivator suddenly asked, pointing at the figure beside the Jade Empress.

A young man, handsome and well-dressed, his black and gold robe drawing the attention of the female cultivators, was walking beside her.

But she was one of the few Empresses in the world!

Good looks alone weren’t enough to earn a place by her side…

Whispers spread through the crowd.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s Mu Zhi’an,” a cultivator said.

His name had been mentioned frequently in Sacred King City these past few days.

The ancient families, wanting to avoid competition for the Innate Celestial Vessel and to stay in the Jade Empress’s good graces, hadn’t revealed his true nature.

However, some perceptive individuals had noticed something amiss.

Why would the Jade Pool Sacred Land allow an outsider to enter at such a critical time?

Some speculated that he had saved the Jade Empress.

Their treatment of him in Sacred King City seemed to support this theory.

But why was he accompanying her now?

“This is strange. Shouldn’t she be focusing on refining the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit and rebuilding her vessel? Why is she with him?”

“Rebuilding a vessel is a lengthy process. It can’t be interrupted… it doesn’t make sense for her to be with someone else.”

As they discussed this, a voice cut through the chatter. “The Jade Empress needs spiritual energy to rebuild her vessel, and she can only obtain it from external sources.”

“She might have a secret technique to temporarily extract spiritual energy from the environment, but without a vessel, she can’t store it, let alone use it to rebuild her vessel.”

“What are you suggesting…?” a cultivator asked.

“Ambient spiritual energy won’t be enough for her.”

“But if it’s spiritual energy obtained through dual cultivation…”

The chatter ceased as the implication sunk in. They all stared at the young man, their eyes wide with shock.

Chapter 215: The Demon Realm Empress Arrives

Ancient families held a prominent position in the Eastern Realm, often ranking among the most powerful forces.

And those with ancestral artifacts, excluding the Forbidden Zone and the Two Polarities Sect, stood at the very top.

Eight ancient families had come to visit the Jade Pool Sacred Land, and two of them possessed ancestral artifacts.

The other families hadn’t arrived yet, either because of the distance or because they were unaware of Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Vessel and its implications.

They were still in the dark, unaware of his true nature and therefore unable to connect it to the Jade Empress’s partial recovery.

After all, no one would believe that the Jade Empress would cultivate with a young man, even now, knowing about his Innate Celestial Vessel, few dared to entertain such a thought.

They simply assumed she had used some secret technique to absorb spiritual energy from the environment.

After all, she was an Empress. Such a feat wasn’t impossible for her.

…

As Mu Zhi’an entered the Jade Pool’s main hall with the Jade Empress and the others, he heard a boisterous laugh.

“Wang Meng, I didn’t expect to see you here. It seems even the most arrogant of men bow before the Jade Empress.” The voice was old, laced with a hint of mockery.

The target of the taunt was Wang Meng, a retainer of the Wang Family, who had recently arrived in Sacred King City.

Beside him stood Wang Ying, a beautiful woman clad in a red dress, her every movement captivating, her gaze drawing the attention of the young male cultivators.

Rumors of her bewitching charm had circulated for years, but many had doubted their validity.

However, seeing her in person, they were convinced.

She truly was alluring, her figure graceful, her long, slender legs exposed beneath her red dress.

“The Jade Empress’s return is a momentous occasion. It’s only natural for us to pay our respects. Are you suggesting she’s not worthy of our respect, Elder Shi?” Wang Meng replied with a smile.

“Who else should we be paying our respects to? You?”

He had cleverly shifted the blame onto Elder Shi, a member of the Profound Yin Palace, and the other ancient families turned to look at him, their gazes curious.

Elder Shi scoffed. “If you’re here to pay your respects, why did you bring the Wang Family’s daughter with you?”

“My young mistress has always admired the Jade Empress. She wanted to pay her respects upon hearing of her recovery. Is there something wrong with that?” Wang Meng replied calmly.

“Heh, you say that, but you’re actually here for the Innate Celestial Vessel, aren’t you?” a blunt voice interjected.

The ancient families had come to the Jade Pool Sacred Land not only to pay their respects to the Jade Empress, but also to confirm the rumors of an Innate Celestial Vessel residing within.

Yao Xin, resting her chin on her hand, yawned, seemingly bored.

She then seemed to sense something, her eyes widening as she glanced towards the entrance, her gaze fixed on the Jade Empress, a spark of excitement in her eyes.

The elders also noticed her and turned to face her, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, Jade Empress!”

They then glanced at Mu Zhi’an, their curiosity evident.

They knew he was close to the Jade Empress, but to accompany her to such an occasion… it was intriguing.

He shifted uncomfortably under their gazes, nodding politely, then found a seat.

He was just a guest. He shouldn’t be involved in these discussions.

Fortunately, there were a few young cultivators present, so he didn’t stand out too much.

He had barely sat down when he felt a gaze on him.

He looked up and saw a beautiful woman, her attire alluring, her eyes filled with a seductive invitation.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden, sensing his thoughts, transmitted her voice, “That’s Wang Ying, the eldest daughter of the Wang Family. She’s at the Sixth Stage of Core Formation and is considered one of the most talented cultivators in the Eastern Realm.”

He nodded thoughtfully.

He had heard of the Wang Family. They were a powerful force in the Eastern Realm, and their cherished daughter was said to be a prodigy, pampered by the elders.

He didn’t know how strong she was, but her figure was certainly prodigious…

Of course, compared to the Jade Empress’s assets, even a temptress like her paled in comparison.

Her abundance was unmatched, that was why he preferred older women.

Especially those like the Jade Empress, who had already achieved success and had no further ambitions, they were the perfect targets for gold-digging.

But her aura felt familiar. He stared at her long, slender legs, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over him.

It wasn’t because he was attracted to her, it was a genuine feeling of familiarity.

Is it my womanizing instincts acting up, or have I really met her before…? He frowned, his gaze lingering on her, his mind racing.

He then noticed the elder who had been arguing with Wang Meng. His aura was also quite powerful, likely similar to Wang Meng’s cultivation level.

“Who’s that arguing with Wang Meng?”

“That’s Elder Shi, the Third Elder of the Profound Yin Palace. He’s also here for you,” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden transmitted her voice.

“The Palace Master of the Profound Yin Palace has a young daughter who’s been plagued by illness since childhood. Elder Shi likely sensed your Innate Celestial Vessel and came to see you.”

“What good is an Innate Celestial Vessel against illness?” he asked, his expression puzzled.

He was an Innate Celestial Vessel, not a doctor. Why would they come to him instead of seeking medical help?

Could the Innate Celestial Vessel cure illnesses?

“The Profound Yin Palace cultivates a unique physique, the Profound Yin Body, which can only be inherited by a select few. Those with this physique are weak and sickly until they reach Core Formation. Even after reaching Core Formation, they’re still plagued by weakness,” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden explained, her gaze fixed on the elders as they took their seats.

“Only after reaching Nascent Soul does the Profound Yin Body reach its full potential, free from those limitations.”

“They’ve never lost a single spar against those of the same cultivation level.”

That physique has a lot of drawbacks, but it seems quite powerful… He thought.

“The Lu Family, the Lan Family, the two palaces, and the three pavilions have also sent representatives. They’re here to pay their respects to the Jade Empress. And they’re also here for…” She paused, glancing at him.

And that was without knowing that his Innate Celestial Vessel wasn’t just an ordinary one. If they knew about the spiritual energy and the Heavenly Dao Aura within, they would likely start fighting over him.

“What do you think, Young Master Mu?” she asked.

She knew he was close to Lan Mulian, and he also had another exceptional woman living in his residence.

She didn’t have a strong impression of Bai Ruoxi, only a vague memory of her ample bosom…

With two such beautiful women as his companions, his opinion on these “marriage proposals” was intriguing.

And if she wasn’t mistaken, the Jade Empress was also involved with him.

“Let the Jade Empress decide. I’m not interested in marriage,” he replied, shaking his head.

“Besides, I already have someone I like.”

She studied him, then, after a moment of hesitation, she transmitted her voice, “May I ask you a rather personal question, Young Master Mu…?”

Her gaze was fixed on him, her expression serious.

“Ask away, Fairy Yao Yue.”

“Are you involved with the Jade Empress?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes searching his.

Even she, despite her aloof nature, was curious. She wasn’t usually interested in gossip, but the Jade Empress… it was difficult to ignore such a juicy tidbit.

“It’s complicated. I can’t explain it in a few words,” he replied with a gentle smile. “If you’re interested, Fairy Yao Yue, we can discuss it over tea sometime.”

“Alright,” she said with a smile, dropping the subject.

She was an intelligent woman. She could tell he didn’t want to talk about it now.

However, his words confirmed her suspicions: he and the Jade Empress were definitely involved.

…

As they chatted, the ancient families presented their gifts.

Elder Shi of the Profound Yin Palace then bowed respectfully. “Senior Jade Empress, I’m here not only to offer my congratulations, but also to ask for a favor.”

The other elders and retainers turned to look at him, surprised by his boldness.

“Speak freely,” the Jade Empress replied, a faint smile on her lips, her fair skin glowing against her green dress.

She looked like an ordinary woman, her appearance betraying no hint of her long life.

Based on the Nine Realms’ timeline, with each life spanning five thousand years, she had lived for over ten thousand years.

“My young mistress is seventeen years old and has been plagued by the Profound Yin Body since childhood. Before reaching Core Formation, she was often weak and sickly, just like an ordinary mortal,” Elder Shi explained.

He paused, then continued, “Tonight, a celestial phenomenon occurred, a vast amount of spiritual energy converging upon the Jade Pool. And the one who attracted this energy… it’s Young Master Mu, isn’t it?”

He smiled at Mu Zhi’an, his gaze friendly.

Though he was only at the First Stage of Core Formation, he was an Innate Celestial Vessel. And his relationship with the Jade Empress seemed quite close. If they were to marry, he could assist his young mistress, helping her reach Core Formation, even Nascent Soul.

“Is he an Innate Celestial Vessel?” he asked again.

The “guests” turned to look at the Jade Empress, their gazes expectant.

“He is,” she confirmed.

Their gazes shifted to Mu Zhi’an.

Even those who had suspected it, who had been almost certain of it, were still surprised to hear it confirmed by the Jade Empress herself.

The Innate Celestial Vessel truly existed, and he was already at the Core Formation Realm?!

Very few cultivators reached Core Formation at his age, especially those with the Innate Celestial Vessel.

Not only the elders from the ancient families, but even those from the Jade Pool Sacred Land stared at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and awe.

“To be honest, I’m also here to ask Young Master Mu for his opinion of my young mistress,” Elder Shi said.

I don’t even know what your daughter looks like. What kind of opinion can I have? Mu Zhi’an smiled, but didn’t answer.

“The Profound Yin Body’s weakness fades after reaching Core Formation. Though they’re still frail, they’re no longer as vulnerable to illness. Relying on an Innate Celestial Vessel for shortcuts… it’s not a good idea,” Wang Meng interjected, his tone mocking.

“How noble of you, Elder Wang. But you brought your daughter here as well. Are you saying you’re not here for the Innate Celestial Vessel?” another elder retorted, his words sharp.

“It’s different. Marriage should be based on love, not just benefits,” Wang Meng replied calmly.

“Love?” Elder Shi scoffed. “Have your daughter and Young Master Mu even met?”

“If they haven’t, how can you talk about love?”

“Feelings can develop over time. We’re not just here for benefits.” Wang Meng paused, glancing at Mu Zhi’an.

“Besides, you can ask him how he feels about my daughter.”

The attention shifted to Mu Zhi’an.

Can’t you guys argue without dragging me into it…? He looked at the woman in the red dress, her figure alluring, her revealing dress showing off her ample cleavage, her posture relaxed as she sipped her tea, as if unconcerned by the unfolding drama.

However, when Elder Shi had mentioned her, she had glanced at him.

He met her gaze, and his heart skipped a beat.

I’ve definitely met her before! He thought.

He had never heard of “Wang Ying,” but her seductive gaze felt familiar.

But who is she…? He frowned, his gaze lingering on her, his mind racing.

“You brought your daughter to the Jade Pool Sacred Land, Elder Wang. Are you suggesting Young Master Mu can simply say he doesn’t like her?” Elder Shi demanded, his voice laced with anger.

“Why didn’t you bring your daughter?” Wang Meng retorted calmly.

Elder Shi’s face flushed with anger, his spiritual energy threatening to erupt.

The Holy Maiden of the Profound Yin Palace had been weak and sickly since childhood due to her unique physique. She rarely left her home, let alone traveled far.

Wang Meng’s words had struck a nerve. If the Jade Empress wasn’t present, he might have already attacked.

The atmosphere grew tense, and Mu Zhi’an was about to intervene when he felt a burning sensation within his body.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the change.

He then opened his eyes, his gaze sharp.

The mark the Demon Realm Empress had left on him was reacting.

There’s a demon cultivator among them…? He thought.

As the thought crossed his mind, the Jade Empress spoke, silencing the arguing elders.

“Mu Zhi’an saved my life,” she said, her voice clear and melodious.

“How could a mere Core Formation cultivator save you, Senior?!” a young man exclaimed, unable to contain his disbelief. He stared at Mu Zhi’an, his eyes wide with shock.

The Jade Empress glanced at him, but didn’t answer.

The elder behind the young man pulled him back, bowing apologetically. “My apologies, Senior Jade Empress. My son is still young and foolish.”

Though he didn’t know how a Core Formation cultivator could possibly save the Jade Empress, questioning her now was akin to accusing her of lying.

Many young cultivators from ancient families were arrogant. They believed that even a Nascent Soul expert wouldn’t be able to help the Jade Empress, let alone a Core Formation cultivator.

However, the Jade Empress wouldn’t lie, at least not about something like this.

Which meant Mu Zhi’an had truly saved her life.

It was a great debt, and once she recovered and restored her vessel, no one in the Eastern Realm would dare harm him.

He was now bound to the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

The elders looked at him, their eyes filled with a newfound respect.

The Jade Empress spoke again. “Mu Zhi’an has told me that he’s not interested in marriage at this time. Let’s not discuss this matter further.”

I never said that… He thought, but he maintained his composure, his gaze sweeping over the elders and the young cultivators accompanying them.

The Demon Realm’s mark hadn’t reacted when he had first arrived at the Jade Pool, but now it was reacting.

Which meant there was a demon cultivator among them.

But who…?

And did the Jade Empress know?

He wasn’t sure. He couldn’t read her expression.

She might appear kind and approachable, her skin shimmering with a faint, silver light, but she was a mysterious and complex woman.

And surprisingly possessive…

She was fine with being the one to cuckold others, but she wouldn’t tolerate being cuckolded herself.

He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. If she was his only Dao Companion, it wouldn’t be a problem, but he had other companions.

Well, he only had one Dao Companion, but he also had two close “sisters,” a close “elder sister,” and a close “senior sister”.

And his younger “sister” seemed to be developing some dark tendencies…

As he pondered his complicated relationships, the Jade Empress smiled faintly. “Of course, if he finds someone he likes, I won’t stop him.”

The elders couldn’t argue with that. They simply nodded in agreement.

However, their gazes lingered on Mu Zhi’an.

The Jade Empress hadn’t rejected their proposals, which meant she wasn’t planning to keep him at the Jade Pool Sacred Land. It was a relief.

If she wanted to keep him, she could have simply offered him one of the Jade Pool’s fairies as a wife.

But she hadn’t. She was giving him a choice.

She truly was the Jade Empress. Though the Innate Celestial Vessel was a rare and valuable physique, she wasn’t going to pressure him or exploit him.

As for his claim that he wasn’t interested in marriage… they didn’t believe him. He was simply young and inexperienced. He hadn’t met enough exceptional women.

Once he left the Jade Pool Sacred Land, they would invite him to their families as guests.

And once he met their daughters, he would be smitten.

They were confident they could “win” him over.

They presented their gifts, then took their leave. He watched them go, his eyes narrowed, his mind racing.

He knew there was a demon cultivator among them, but who was it?

A demon cultivator, brazenly entering the Jade Empress’s domain, weren’t they afraid of being discovered and killed?

Or did they have a way to escape her detection?

It seemed unlikely, unless they were as powerful as her.

But in the Demon Realm, there was only one being who possessed such power—

His thoughts were interrupted as he stared at Wang Ying’s retreating figure.

Could it be her…?

…

“After tonight, those ancient families, regardless of their previous intentions, won’t make any rash moves,” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden said, watching the elders and young cultivators depart.

They had come to propose marriage and to assess the Jade Empress’s condition.

The Jade Pool Sacred Land had initially activated their formations and deployed their forces, prepared to defend the Heavenly Phoenix Tree with their lives.

But the Jade Empress’s intervention had solved all their problems.

Now, even without the formations, no one would dare attack the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

Yao Xin, resting her chin on her hand, looked at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes twinkling. “Your Innate Celestial Vessel is quite popular. Are you sure you don’t want to accept any of those proposals?”

“You saw the Wang Family’s daughter, right? She’s alluring, and she has a great figure. The other girls are also beautiful. I’ve met a few of them before,” she added.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m not interested in finding a Dao Companion.”

“Besides, shouldn’t a Dao Companion be found through fate, not through introductions?” he said, smiling at her.

She was around Ye Lingxuan’s age, and she, like most girls her age, loved romantic fantasies. His words resonated with her, and she nodded in agreement.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother instructed the elders to remain vigilant, to guard the Heavenly Phoenix Tree with their lives.

He listened to their conversation, then, as the Jade Empress prepared to leave, he followed her.

“Fairy Sister, if I refuse those families’ invitations, will I offend them?” he asked, his voice filled with mock concern.

“It’s your decision. If you don’t want to accept their offers, then refuse. I’ll protect you,” she replied with a smile.

“You’re so kind to me, Fairy Sister,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

She glanced at him, her green eyes sparkling. “It’s all karma. You helped me, and now I’m helping you.”

If he hadn’t gone to the Pilgrimage Palace and brought her out of that celestial realm, if he hadn’t traveled to the Forbidden Zone to obtain the Rebirth Water for her, she wouldn’t be here now.

“It’s my honor to serve you, Fairy Sister.”

He looked at her, his gaze filled with admiration and a hint of something else…

They chatted for a while longer, then, as they approached her chambers, he was about to follow her inside.

However, she stopped at the doorway, chuckling softly, her demeanor returning to its usual aloofness. “Go back and meditate. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

His Innate Celestial Vessel was completely depleted. If he went inside with her, he would only try to be intimate with her, and it would take even longer for his vessel to recover. It was better for him to be alone.

She gently pushed him out of the room with a wave of her hand.

He stood there, watching her, her back to him, the night breeze lifting her skirt slightly, revealing her alluring curves.

Then, the door closed.

“She’s cold-hearted once she’s satisfied,” he murmured, shaking his head, a wry smile on his lips.

Well, he would just have to discipline her once his Innate Celestial Vessel recovered.

He would show her what it felt like to be teased. He transmitted his voice, “By the way, there’s a demon cultivator among those who came to the Jade Pool today.”

“Do you know who it is?” she replied, her voice filled with curiosity.

He thought for a moment. “I’m not sure, but I’ve only ever sensed that kind of allure from one person…”

He transmitted a name.

Silence.

“Go and meditate,” she said softly. “If I’m not mistaken, she’ll come to see you soon.”

He nodded, leaving her chambers and finding a nearby guest room, where he began meditating.

That night, a rainbow bridge of spiritual energy, flowing from the environment towards the Jade Empress’s chambers, illuminated the sky.

…

He woke up the next morning, feeling the spiritual energy within his Innate Celestial Vessel, sighing softly.

It would take at least two more days for it to fully recover.

She might appear delicate and ethereal, but she had completely drained his Innate Celestial Vessel in less than a night.

Her ability was even more terrifying than her vines…

He closed his eyes, resuming his meditation.

He had to replenish his spiritual energy so he could serve her again.

And his “Eight Desolate Dream Diagram” could also be enhanced by her physique.

He had just closed his eyes when he sensed someone outside his door. “Mengrou, is that you?”

The door opened, and Wei Mengrou entered the room.

“What brings you here? Did you miss me?” he asked with a smile.

She glanced at him, her voice flat. “Someone asked me to deliver a message. They said it was important.”

Only the Jade Empress, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, and Wei Mengrou could enter his chambers.

Who would ask Mengrou to deliver a message? “Is it someone I know?”

He didn’t know anyone at the Jade Pool… so it must be someone he didn’t know, but who knew him?

“Wang Ying, the daughter of the Wang Family,” Wei Mengrou replied.

Her… He thought for a moment, then said, “Bring her here.”

It seemed his guess was correct.

…

He waited for a while, then Wang Ying entered the room.

She licked her lips, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “It’s not easy to see you, Young Master Mu.”

She walked towards him, her movements graceful, her long, slender legs crossed elegantly as she sat down, her gaze fixed on him, her allure undeniable.

“What brings you here, Miss Wang?” he asked, getting straight to the point, his gaze lingering on her.

“Why are you in such a hurry, Young Master Mu? Where’s the romance?” she purred, her eyes filled with a seductive invitation.

“Miss Wang… you know me, don’t you?” he asked, pouring her a cup of tea, his gaze fixed on her.

Her eyes, so alluring, so captivating, he felt his soul being drawn towards her.

“No…” He shook his head, staring at her beautiful face. “I should address you as… Your Majesty, shouldn’t I?”

Her smile faded slightly, and she traced her long, slender leg with her delicate finger, her gaze meeting his, her voice soft. “Being too clever isn’t always a good thing, Young Master Mu.”

“If I were your enemy, even the Jade Empress’s chambers wouldn’t protect you.”

He chuckled. “I wasn’t sure of your identity, Your Majesty, so I took some precautions. Apologies.”

She narrowed her eyes, studying him, her lips parted slightly, a flicker of confusion in her gaze.

Then, a clear and melodious voice echoed through the room.

“Why all the secrecy? Why not join us?”

Wang Ying glanced to the side.

The Jade Empress, her beauty as captivating as ever, had materialized in the room.

Chapter 214: Visitors From All Directions

Someone proposing marriage to the Jade Pool…?

After hearing the Jade Empress’s words, Mu Zhi’an was puzzled. “Are they proposing to the Jade Pool Holy Maiden?”

The Jade Empress, though not fully recovered, was one step away from restoring her vessel.

Knowing this, the ancient families in Sacred King City, regardless of their previous stance towards the Jade Pool Sacred Land, would undoubtedly seek to curry favor with them… even through marriage.

And the most suitable candidate was naturally the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.

The Jade Empress shook her head. “Every Jade Pool Holy Maiden is a potential successor to the Jade Pool Empress Mother. Yao Yue is an intelligent woman. She wouldn’t marry into another family.”

The Jade Pool Holy Maidens had only married into other families once in their history. It wasn’t because the Jade Pool Sacred Land forbade it. It was simply that most Holy Maidens were proud and ambitious, preferring to focus on their cultivation and aspire to become like the Jade Empress.

Unless they were deeply in love, marriage was out of the question.

This was why the Innate Dao Body, a physique possessed by every Jade Pool Holy Maiden, had only been used for dual cultivation twice in history: once by the previous Holy Maiden a hundred years ago, and now by Mu Zhi’an and the Jade Empress.

Yao Yue, the current Holy Maiden, possessed the greatest talent in the Jade Pool’s history. Some even believed she was second only to the Jade Empress in terms of talent.

It can’t be you they’re proposing to… He thought, scoffing inwardly.

Even a hundred ancient families wouldn’t dare propose to the Jade Empress.

A Dao Integration expert’s aura was naturally oppressive to those of lower cultivation levels. It was like a bloodline suppression.

It wasn’t something one could overcome simply by being attracted to her. He could resist it, not only because of his proclivities, but also because she was deliberately restraining her aura, and he had enhanced his physique several times, and he also had the “talisman” the Spirit Dragon had given him.

Those factors combined had given him the courage to dominate her…

Otherwise, she would be the one dominating him tonight.

So if it wasn’t the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, who were they proposing to?

A daughter from one of the Jade Pool’s main branches?

He noticed the Jade Empress’s gaze on him, and a realization dawned. “… Could it be… me?”

“It seems so,” she replied, nodding, a knowing glint in her eyes.

His Innate Celestial Vessel was unique, and its aura, which had accidentally leaked out, had undoubtedly been sensed by the ancient families in Sacred King City.

They might not know about the enhancements to his vessel, but simply knowing he was an Innate Celestial Vessel was enough to make him a valuable asset.

His talent might not be exceptional, but his ability to enhance others was unparalleled.

And his relationship with the Jade Empress seemed quite intimate.

Once she restored her vessel, the Jade Pool Sacred Land would become an unstoppable force in the Eastern Realm.

Proposing marriage now, before she regained her full power, was a far better strategy than waiting until later.

He stared at her, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement.

There were nearly a hundred major forces in the Eastern Realm, including ten ancient families with ancestral artifacts, and those families were likely among the ones proposing marriage.

I wonder what kind of physiques their daughters possess.

He wasn’t particularly interested in the women themselves. He was simply curious about their physiques.

There were countless physiques in the world, but very few were truly exceptional.

However, those who had inherited the legacies of ancient families in the Eastern Realm… their physiques wouldn’t be weak.

The Eastern Realm had the most abundant resources in the Nine Realms: spirit mines, rare treasures, and other valuable assets, which had provided many opportunities for families to rise to power.

And those families had invested countless resources to cultivate powerful physiques, to enhance the legacies passed down from their ancestors.

Of course, only the Forbidden Zone had truly mastered the art of physique enhancement. Their Rebirth Pool contained a unique spiritual energy that could enhance physiques, something not found anywhere else in the world.

“Let’s go and see. If they’re truly here for you, you might want to consider their offers,” she said, her voice gentle, her smile sincere, as if genuinely offering advice.

He shook his head resolutely. “I won’t accept any proposals, even from ancient families.”

“You might think I’m a fickle man, Fairy Sister, but in my heart you’re the only one who matters.”

She raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on him for a moment.

She couldn’t detect any lies, but having resided within his body for so long, she knew him well.

“Let’s go to the side hall,” she said, her lips curving into a faint smile.

…

They arrived at the side hall and found the Jade Pool Empress Mother waiting for them.

She was a beautiful and alluring woman, her figure untouched by time, her ample bosom straining against her robe, her white skirt flowing gracefully around her, her aura elegant and mature.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden, a faint silver light emanating from her fair skin, her long hair cascading down her back, her lips red, her eyes bright, was also present.

She possessed the Jade Empress’s youthful beauty, though she lacked her mystery and wisdom, her aura more innocent and carefree.

“Senior Jade Empress,” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden greeted her respectfully, then glanced at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Why were they together…?

The Jade Pool Empress Mother also looked at them, her eyes widening slightly as she sensed the Jade Empress’s restrained aura.

“It seems your spiritual energy has recovered somewhat, Senior Jade Empress?”

“I’ve only recovered a portion of it, but it’s enough,” the Jade Empress replied with a smile.

Her long hair cascaded down her back, tied with a white ribbon at the end, her green dress swaying gently as she walked, her delicate feet adorned with embroidered shoes.

He noticed the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s gaze on him and smiled politely.

She smiled back, then glanced at him, her eyes filled with a strange glint.

Wherever he went, the spiritual energy of the environment followed him, flowing into his body.

It was clearly being absorbed by his Innate Celestial Vessel.

Which meant his vessel must be depleted, but how could he have used so much spiritual energy in the Jade Empress’s chambers?

She didn’t know or rather, she didn’t dare to think about it.

“Young Master Mu’s physique seems to be different from ordinary cultivators,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother remarked, her gaze lingering on him.

She had also sensed the spiritual energy flowing into his body.

“You already know, don’t you?” the Jade Empress said with a smile.

She paused, then added, “Mu Zhi’an… he’s an Innate Celestial Vessel.”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother’s eyes lit up, a flicker of excitement in her gaze.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden also looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise.

“It’s likely more than just that,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother said, her gaze fixed on him, a knowing glint in her eyes.

He didn’t interrupt their conversation. He poured himself a cup of tea, then filled the other cups, sipping his tea quietly.

He needed a break, though it was his Innate Celestial Vessel’s spiritual energy that had been depleted, he had been the one doing all the physical labor in her chambers.

“I visited the Forbidden Zone and observed the Rebirth Pool’s trial,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother said casually, a gentle smile on her lips, her alluring figure hidden beneath her luxurious robe.

“He seems to possess more than one aura from the Rebirth Pool.”

The Rebirth Pool’s spiritual energy could enhance physiques. Previously, his Innate Celestial Vessel’s aura had masked those enhancements, making them less obvious.

But now, with his vessel depleted, he was like a walking treasure trove.

And the treasures within they tempted even her, someone who had seen countless wonders in her long life.

The ability to enhance physiques was an irresistible temptation. And that wasn’t all his vessel possessed.

He could already assist a Nascent Soul expert in advancing their cultivation at the Core Formation Realm. If he reached Nascent Soul, perhaps even the Soul Transformation Realm, forbidden by the Heavenly Dao’s laws, wouldn’t be out of reach.

Reaching Soul Transformation wasn’t just about destiny or talent.

It required a special kind of spiritual energy: Soul Transformation spiritual energy.

Ten thousand years ago, Soul Transformation spiritual energy had been abundant, allowing Nascent Soul experts to break through under the right conditions.

Soul Transformation… it involved comprehending one of the three Daos: Heaven, Earth, or Man.

There was no hierarchy among the three Daos.

Reaching Soul Transformation was incredibly difficult.

However, Mu Zhi’an’s Innate Celestial Vessel contained spiritual energy that could allow someone to directly reach Soul Transformation.

It was a tempting prospect.

Of course, it all depended on him reaching Nascent Soul. His Innate Celestial Vessel’s level would always be one stage higher than his own cultivation level, and only Soul Transformation spiritual energy could break through the Heavenly Dao’s restrictions.

Why is she staring at me…? He took a sip of his tea, trying to appear calm under her intense gaze.

The Jade Empress glanced at the Jade Pool Empress Mother, then said, “He did receive several auras from the Rebirth Pool.”

“However, cultivation is a personal journey. Don’t rely on shortcuts.” She was subtly warning her.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother looked at her, then nodded, accepting her “advice.”

She then seemed to remember something. “Several ancient families sent representatives to congratulate you today, Senior Jade Empress. And…”

She paused, glancing at Mu Zhi’an.

“Speak freely,” the Jade Empress said with a smile.

“And… they also offered to introduce their daughters to Young Master Mu, hoping to arrange a marriage.”

As expected…

The Jade Empress’s smile remained, her beautiful face serene, her expression unchanged.

However, a hint of danger flickered in her eyes.

“Are they here at the Jade Pool?”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother nodded.

“Would you like to see them?”

“Since they’re here, I might as well meet them.” She turned to Mu Zhi’an, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You must be interested, right?”

“Not really,” he replied, shaking his head, feigning indifference.

His relationship with the Jade Empress was complicated. Though they had cultivated together and even kissed, she only needed his spiritual energy.

They were at a crossroads. One wrong move, and their relationship might be over.

If he wanted to stay in her good graces, he couldn’t make any mistakes now.

He had to strengthen their bond, to deepen their connection, and then he could pursue other relationships without worrying about jeopardizing this one.

She studied him, a knowing glint in her eyes, but she didn’t press him further. She looked towards the door.

“Let’s go,” she said softly.

She was curious to see what kind of women these ancient families were offering him.

Chapter 213: A Marriage Proposal?

The vast amount of spiritual energy, like a raging tide, converged towards the Jade Empress’s chambers, forming a shimmering rainbow bridge.

Mu Zhi’an felt his Innate Celestial Vessel trembling, as if protesting, or perhaps fearing the woman standing by the window.

Though it was his physique, he felt a sense of satisfaction, watching the Jade Empress’s alluring figure.

His Innate Celestial Vessel always snatched up any good stuff without even asking his permission.

Well, now it had encountered the Jade Empress, and she had completely drained it.

Though he was feeling a bit drained himself…

He looked at her, her curves accentuated by her green dress, the night breeze pressing the thin fabric against her body, revealing her alluring figure.

She was a celestial being, yet her body was so seductive… a captivating combination.

She truly is the Jade Empress. Though I’m devoid of any worldly desires right now, I still feel a strange urge to see her blush again… He thought, then noticed the thoughtful expression on her face.

“Is something troubling you, Fairy Sister?” he asked.

She had completely drained his Innate Celestial Vessel. No ordinary cultivator could possibly harm her now.

So what was she worried about?

She turned to him, sighing softly. “I’m not worried about myself.”

She was worried about him.

Under his questioning gaze, she raised her hand, gathering the vast amount of spiritual energy that was still swirling around them, then channeled it directly into his Innate Celestial Vessel.

Normally, a cultivator’s vessel couldn’t absorb spiritual energy directly. It had to be refined first.

However, the Innate Celestial Vessel was different. It could purify any spiritual energy without any side effects.

If he could control it, it would be the most powerful physique in the world… but unfortunately, it was just a support physique.

And his vessel filled with all sorts of treasures was truly unique.

And that was the problem…

His Innate Celestial Vessel was working overtime, absorbing spiritual energy from the environment, and its aura was leaking out.

She could protect him, but she couldn’t prevent others from sensing him.

He felt her gaze on him, and a flicker of doubt crossed his mind.

Did she regret it? Like a man experiencing post-coital tristesse?

But that didn’t make sense… when he had asked if she was satisfied, she hadn’t answered, but her expression, her voice… they had implied consent.

So why is she looking at me like that?

He then felt a familiar sensation as his Innate Celestial Vessel circulated the spiritual energy.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the aura emanating from his vessel.

It contained the essence of all the treasures his vessel had absorbed, all blended together, a potent and alluring fragrance that was slowly spreading from the Jade Empress’s chambers.

“…!”

He realized what was happening, and he looked at her, his voice barely a whisper. “My Innate Celestial Vessel… it’s exposed?”

That was why she was looking at him like that!

She wasn’t worried about herself. She was worried about him!

“It’s exposed,” she confirmed, nodding, her hand on her forehead, sighing softly.

Normally, even an Innate Celestial Vessel wouldn’t absorb spiritual energy at such a rate, but his vessel defied all logic.

“However, most people won’t know it’s you,” she added, trying to reassure him.

Many knew she had returned to the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

But very few knew she had brought a young man with her.

And those who knew about their intimacy had been devoured by her vines, their bodies and souls erased from existence.

“However, even if most people don’t know, some ancient families will likely guess your physique.”

“Will my safety be threatened?” he asked after a moment of silence.

“I’m here. You’ll be safe,” she replied calmly, her voice filled with confidence.

“But I can’t stay at the Jade Pool forever…” he sighed.

He had to return to the Two Polarities Sect once she had restored her vessel.

If his Innate Celestial Vessel’s true nature was exposed… the consequences would be dire.

Though most female cultivators in the Xianxia world could maintain a decent appearance, he wasn’t interested in just anyone. He valued quality over quantity. He wasn’t going to keep just any fish in his pond.

Besides, the Jade Empress alone was already giving him a headache.

He had thought she was one of his fish, but after tonight he realized: in her eyes, he was the fish.

She was an Empress, having lived three lifetimes, her experience and her power far surpassing his.

He might have thought he was the hunter, but in her eyes, he was the prey.

“You don’t have to return to the Two Polarities Sect,” she suddenly said.

“You can stay at the Jade Pool if you want.”

Her voice softened, her melodious voice filled with a captivating charm.

It was the “Dao” of the Jade Pool Sacred Land, or rather, the “Dao” of the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.

It minimized hostility towards its user. It was a dangerous ability in battle, as it could lower one’s guard.

Combined with the Pure World Azure Lotus, it was one of the reasons she had been so successful in the past.

“I’ll decide later, Fairy Sister,” he replied, nodding.

He had no intention of staying at the Jade Pool. His answer was just a polite way of saying, “Maybe next time.”

“The choice is yours. I’m just offering you a possibility. You can decide what you want to do in the future,” she said with a smile.

She’s asking if I want to be a kept man. If I agree, I can live at the Jade Pool and worship her feet every day… He understood.

“But you have a Dao Companion and a sister at the Two Polarities Sect… and a senior sister who secretly admires you…” she added.

“It’s understandable that you want to return.”

She really was awake the entire time, spying on me…

He knew it.

He could understand her knowing about the others, but his senior sister… they had barely interacted. She must have been observing him from within his vessel.

But if she knew he was a player… if she knew he couldn’t abandon the girls around him…

Why did she agree to cultivate with him?

Because of the Innate Celestial Vessel…?

Or…

“Don’t overthink it. If I truly disliked you, I wouldn’t have agreed to cultivate with you even if you were an Innate Celestial Vessel,” she said, her voice trailing off, but he understood her meaning.

His heart skipped a beat.

He stood up, walking behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist, savoring the feel of her soft and supple body. “I never doubted you, Fairy Sister,” he whispered.

Spiritual energy continued to flow into his Innate Celestial Vessel, but he ignored it, his focus on her.

Though she maintained her usual calm demeanor, she was clearly uncomfortable with his intimacy.

Or perhaps she was simply unsure how to react when she was the one being pursued.

Her cheeks were flushed, her beauty even more captivating.

He guided her towards the window, her delicate feet, adorned with embroidered shoes, dangling playfully as she sat down, her hips pressed against the table. He cupped her face in his hands, his gaze meeting hers.

A soft, silver light, like moonlight, still emanated from her skin, creating a sense of distance, even though they were so close.

It was a tantalizing combination, her ethereal beauty and her alluring aura.

He traced her soft lips with his thumb, then, under her watchful gaze, he leaned in, kissing her.

“Your Innate Celestial Vessel is depleted. And yet you still have the energy for this?” she asked, her voice echoing in his mind, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

He caressed her cheek, transmitting his voice, “It’s not that I have the energy. It’s just… you’re irresistible.”

Under normal circumstances, he would be exhausted by now, but her usual aloofness, combined with her current vulnerability was a potent combination, a temptation he couldn’t resist.

She closed her eyes, her long eyelashes casting shadows on her delicate cheeks.

He savored the taste of her lips, her natural fragrance intoxicating. He had been hesitant during their first kiss in the Forbidden Zone, but now, in her chambers, he had no such reservations.

Time passed, then they heard footsteps approaching.

A knock on the door.

“Senior Jade Empress, the Empress Mother requests your presence in the side hall.”

It was the Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s voice, her melodious voice as clear and soothing as the Jade Empress’s.

It shattered the intimate atmosphere, and the Jade Empress opened her eyes, a flicker of surprise in her gaze.

She had almost forgotten about her promise to meet the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.

She gently pushed him away, her hand on his arm, stopping his wandering hand, and turned towards the door.

“I understand. You may leave,” she replied, her voice calm.

However, her cheeks were flushed, her gaze lingering on him for a moment.

“Also, several elders from ancient families are requesting an audience with you, Senior,” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden added.

“Very well,” she replied, then, after the footsteps faded, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her movements casual.

She straightened her robe, her green eyes meeting his. “Let’s go.”

Her expression was calm, as if nothing had happened.

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed that this aloof and ethereal fairy could be so… passionate…

He nodded, following her out of the room, taking a deep breath of fresh air.

“What do you think they want?” she asked as they walked along the corridor.

“I’m not sure about the Jade Pool Empress Mother… but the elders from the ancient families… they must have sensed the change in your aura, so they’re here to pay their respects?” he replied after a moment of thought.

He had also sensed her power after she had absorbed his spiritual energy. Though ordinary cultivators might not have noticed, those at the Nascent Soul Realm would have definitely felt it.

“Am I right?”

“Yes, but that’s not all,” she replied, a faint smile playing on her lips, a hint of danger in her eyes.

“They’re not just here to pay their respects.”

She reached out, her cool fingers tracing his cheek, brushing his hair aside.

“They’re probably here to propose marriage.”