Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 212: The Innate Celestial Vessel Stirs the Four Realms

The process of transferring spiritual energy was rather… monotonous.

However, Mu Zhi’an was a patient man. In fact, he was quite enjoying himself.

An hour passed.

He was still full of energy, his arms wrapped around the Jade Empress’s soft and supple body, his expression bored.

She lay in his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest, her eyes closed, savoring the spiritual energy she had received from his Innate Celestial Vessel.

Her face, usually pale, now had a healthy flush, her hair slightly disheveled, her beauty more alluring than her usual coldness.

She opened her eyes, gazing at him silently.

Even she, a being of her stature, was surprised.

She had known his Innate Celestial Vessel was a treasure… but experiencing it firsthand… it was even more impressive than she had imagined.

The Innate Celestial Vessel… it was an incredibly rare physique, even in the vast world of Xianxia.

Of course, rare didn’t mean nonexistent.

The Nine Realms were vast, beyond the imagination of most cultivators. There were countless physiques that weren’t even recorded in ancient texts.

However, most cultivators never left the Eastern Realm, so their knowledge was limited.

And even those who possessed the same physique as Mu Zhi’an wouldn’t have such a potent vessel.

As the direct recipient of his spiritual energy, she could clearly sense its power.

It contained a sliver of Heavenly Dao Aura, granting her destiny… and a portion of the Reincarnated Empress’s spiritual energy from one of her past lives, as well as energy that enhanced his own physique.

And his vessel’s capacity to transfer spiritual energy was also astonishing.

All the opportunities he’s encountered… they’ve all enhanced his Innate Celestial Vessel… She stared at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of sympathy and amusement.

As she pondered this, he was thinking about something completely different.

He was a simple man, his thoughts straightforward. He just wanted to help her, to contribute in any way he could.

He savored the feel of her body in his arms, then he suddenly felt a surge of information entering his mind.

He instinctively tried to resist, but her voice, clear and melodious, echoed in his ears, “Relax. It’s likely a Heaven-Grade technique from the Innate Dao Body.”

Every Holy Maiden of the Jade Pool Sacred Land possessed the Innate Dao Body, and those who cultivated with them would receive a Heaven-Grade technique perfectly suited to their needs.

It seemed the benefits of the Innate Dao Body were already manifesting.

He relaxed his mind, allowing the information to flow into his consciousness.

“The Eight Desolate Dream Diagram.”

A emotionless voice echoed in his mind, and images of the technique’s movements appeared before him.

It doesn’t seem to enhance the Innate Celestial Vessel… He thought, relieved, as he savored the feel of her body in his arms, his eyes closed, studying the Heaven-Grade technique.

The Eight Desolate Dream Diagram was similar to the “celestial realm” cultivators could create after reaching Nascent Soul. It created a diagram depicting the eight desolate mountains and rivers, trapping its target within.

And within the diagram, the target would be forced to dream… dreams controlled by the user.

This technique is pretty broken… He thought.

If he encountered someone stronger than him, he could use the diagram to trap them temporarily while he escaped.

And those who were weaker than him… well, they were in for a rough time.

The Innate Dao Body truly was a powerful physique.

And the technique wasn’t even at its peak yet. With more cultivation, it would be further enhanced by her Innate Dao Body.

As he pondered this, she spoke, her voice soft, “This Innate Celestial Vessel is truly fascinating… a Core Formation cultivator with a Nascent Soul level vessel… if he reaches Soul Transformation, it might even be beneficial to a Dao Integration expert.”

She could sense the spiritual energy within her body, the energy she had received from his vessel.

Though she hadn’t restored her vessel yet, she could still use this spiritual energy directly.

It was a unique ability of the Innate Celestial Vessel.

“Have you ever met a Soul Transformation cultivator with the Innate Celestial Vessel, Fairy Sister?” he asked, his gaze fixed on her.

She shook her head. “The Innate Celestial Vessel is a special physique. Reaching Soul Transformation with it… it’s incredibly rare. In fact, you’re the only one I’ve ever met.”

And his vessel… it was truly unique.

“If I ever reach Soul Transformation, I’ll do my best to assist you, Fairy Sister,” he said, pulling her closer, his voice filled with sincerity.

She chuckled. “It might not take that long.”

Her green eyes held a mischievous glint.

He was confused.

“Your current vessel is useless for my cultivation, but it allows me to use my techniques temporarily. That’s enough for now,” she explained.

“However, the spiritual energy of a Core Formation cultivator… it’s not enough.”

“One time… it’s not enough.” She looked at him, her gaze soft.

“So you’re saying…?” He had a bad feeling about this.

“Remember what I said when you suggested I suppress our enemies?”

She reached out, her hand caressing his cheek, her breath warm on his skin, her fragrance intoxicating.

“You have to take responsibility and see this plan through to the end.”

He glanced at the vines that had silently wrapped around his wrists, then at her.

She was smiling, her lips curved into a playful smirk, her demeanor a stark contrast to her usual aloofness. However, her green eyes held a dangerous glint.

“…!”

He was lost in thought.

He had thought he had gotten the better of her…

But seeing the amusement in her eyes, he realized something.

It seems I’m the one who’s been played…

…

Time passed, and it was now the dead of night.

He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, pondering life.

For the first time in his life, he felt what it was like to have an empty Innate Celestial Vessel.

He wasn’t tired. His Core Formation “Dao” enhanced his physique, allowing him to recover quickly from any exertion.

However, he had never imagined his Innate Celestial Vessel would ever be depleted.

“Are you tired?” she asked, her gaze soft, her alluring figure concealed by the blanket, her aura returning to its usual ethereal and unattainable state.

However, a faint blush still lingered on her cheeks.

He shook his head, smiling at her. “I’m not tired. Just surprised.”

He had thought she was the passive type, but it turned out…

… Appearances could be deceiving.

Who would have thought that the aloof and ethereal Jade Empress could be so… passionate…?

He sat up, pulling her closer, his arm wrapping around her waist.

“Do you have enough spiritual energy now?” he whispered in her ear.

“It should be enough… I just need to replenish it every few days until the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit ripens,” she replied.

Though her voice was calm, her cheeks flushed as he breathed softly against her skin.

He had been bored earlier, but now, seeing her like this… his heart pounded.

He leaned in, kissing her delicate cheek.

However, he paused, as if sensing something, and glanced towards the window.

He could sense a surge of spiritual energy gathering in that direction, flowing towards them.

She looked up, her cheeks still flushed, her gaze following his.

After a moment of silence, she murmured, “I miscalculated.”

This vast amount of spiritual energy… it was heading towards Mu Zhi’an.

She had known his Innate Celestial Vessel was special, but she had never imagined it would absorb spiritual energy from the environment so aggressively when it was depleted.

At this rate… not only would she sense it, but so would everyone in the Jade Pool Sacred Land, even those in Sacred King City…

…

Within the main hall of the Jade Pool Sacred Land, the Jade Pool Empress Mother was chatting with Yao Xin.

The Empress Mother, her beauty mature and alluring, sat gracefully on her throne, her posture elegant, her figure untouched by time.

If she were to walk alongside the Jade Pool Holy Maiden and Yao Xin, those who didn’t know them would think they were sisters.

The only difference was that she possessed a mature sensuality that the younger fairies lacked.

“Empress Mother, did the Jade Empress use the Pure World Seed to suppress those three Nascent Soul experts tonight?” Yao Xin asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother nodded. “The vines that absorb spiritual energy… it must have been the Pure World Seed.”

She knew a little about the Jade Empress’s techniques.

“But she doesn’t have any spiritual energy. How did she do it?” Yao Xin asked.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother smiled, but didn’t answer.

She was also puzzled.

A vessel was essential for a cultivator. How had the Jade Empress fought without one?

A secret technique…?

As she pondered this, she suddenly looked up, her gaze drawn towards the Jade Empress’s chambers.

She could sense a surge of spiritual energy flowing towards the chambers.

Has the Jade Empress’s vessel been restored? Is she absorbing spiritual energy from the environment…?

She quickly dismissed the thought.

It’s impossible. If she had restored her vessel, her Primordial Spirit Tribulation would have descended…

And she couldn’t possibly have restored her vessel before consuming the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit—

Her thoughts were interrupted as she sensed a faint, alluring fragrance emanating from the chambers.

It was the fragrance of Mu Zhi’an’s spiritual energy, the energy that had overflowed after their cultivation.

Her eyes narrowed, her mind racing.

After a long silence, she closed her eyes, her fingers tracing a pattern in the air, as if calculating something.

She then opened her eyes, her gaze fixed on the Jade Empress’s chambers, her voice barely a whisper. “The Innate Celestial Vessel…?”

It clearly wasn’t the Jade Empress’s physique.

Then who…?

Who else was in the Jade Empress’s chambers besides her?

Realization dawned.

Why had the Jade Empress asked him to stay with her?

Why had she been able to suppress those three Nascent Soul experts?

It wasn’t simply because he had saved her.

It was because… he was likely an Innate Celestial Vessel!

She stared at the Jade Empress’s chambers, a knowing glint in her eyes.

…

That night, the surge of spiritual energy flowing towards the Jade Empress’s chambers was sensed not only by those in the Jade Pool Sacred Land, but also by several perceptive cultivators in Sacred King City.

Many speculated that the Jade Empress had restored her vessel and was absorbing spiritual energy from the environment.

However, some elders from ancient families disagreed.

If she had restored her vessel, her Primordial Spirit Tribulation would have descended. It wouldn’t be so quiet.

Clearly, it wasn’t her vessel that was absorbing the spiritual energy.

Then what was it…?

As they discussed this, Wang Meng, an elder of the Wang Family, stared at the Jade Pool Sacred Land, his eyes narrowed.

“Did you discover something, Elder?” the woman in the red dress beside him asked.

He turned to her, his voice trembling with excitement.

“… I know how the Jade Empress was able to use her spiritual energy.”

Chapter 211: Could It Be That the Jade Empress Herself Took Action?

News of the three Nascent Soul elders’ defeat during their nighttime infiltration of the Jade Pool Sacred Land spread like wildfire throughout Sacred King City that very evening.

This news undoubtedly stirred up a hornet’s nest among the cultivators gathered there.

From teahouses to inns, cultivators from all corners of the Eastern Realm buzzed with discussions about the incident.

“Losing three Nascent Soul elders in one fell swoop… That ancient family must be heartbroken,” someone remarked with a sigh.

“It might not have been a single family. Perhaps it was two, or even three families acting together,” another cultivator speculated.

After all, even for ancient families, having three or four Nascent Soul experts was considered impressive. Which family would be willing to risk sending three elders on such a dangerous mission?

“How do you even know that ancient families sent people to test the Jade Pool? Is it just speculation?” someone finally asked, unable to contain their curiosity.

“Do we even need to speculate? Last night, a surge of powerful spiritual energy erupted above the Jade Pool, filling the heavens and earth. It was clearly the aura of Nascent Soul experts.”

“The Jade Pool Sacred Land was decisive. It seems they used the Pure World Seed left behind by the Jade Empress to suppress those three Nascent Soul experts.”

“Legend has it that the Pure World Seed can transform into vines that absorb spiritual energy, leaving those entangled with no chance of escape… The Jade Empress truly was an extraordinary figure.” A wave of genuine admiration filled the speaker’s voice.

“It seems the Jade Empress has indeed returned to the Jade Pool, and she’s severely injured. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have acted so decisively, making an example of those elders.”

Many believed that the Jade Pool Sacred Land had used the seed left behind by the Jade Empress to effortlessly suppress the three Nascent Soul elders.

After all, a severely injured Jade Empress would need to focus on healing and wait for the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit to ripen. The Jade Pool Sacred Land would undoubtedly do everything in their power to protect her during this time.

“Several major ancient families haven’t made a move yet. Tonight was just a test,” another cultivator said, sensing the brewing storm.

“The Jade Empress’s name is renowned throughout the land. I hope she recovers soon. I would love to witness her unparalleled grace.”

“Heh, you want to witness her grace, or her beauty?” another cultivator scoffed, exposing the speaker’s true intentions.

It was impossible to deny the allure of the Jade Empress. However, her power was intimidating, so even those who admired her from afar could only keep their feelings hidden.

“Whether we get to see her or not depends on whether the Heavenly Phoenix Tree can survive until it bears fruit, and whether she can successfully refine it.”

Since the ancient families had taken action, they were clearly prepared for a confrontation with the Jade Pool Sacred Land. After tonight’s test, a more ferocious assault was likely to follow.

Countless eyes were watching to see if the Jade Pool Sacred Land could withstand the onslaught.

“The Jade Empress’s Pure World Seed must be exhausted after tonight. If those families attack again tomorrow, perhaps even using their ancestral artifacts, they should be able to at least delay the fruiting of the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.”

“Indeed. Unless the Jade Pool Sacred Land has another Pure World Seed, their only option is to use their ancestral artifact.”

The teahouse buzzed with discussions.

Some hoped for the Jade Empress’s full recovery, eager to witness her unparalleled beauty, while others hoped she would remain weakened. However, most cultivators were simply enjoying the unfolding drama.

Then, a slightly jarring voice cut through the chatter.

“What if… it wasn’t the Jade Pool Sacred Land who took action, but the Jade Empress herself?”

“…!”

The teahouse fell silent.

“Hmph!”

An elderly man scoffed. “Fool! If the Jade Empress could fight, would the Jade Pool Sacred Land have been so cautious, deploying so many forces and even activating their formations to protect the Heavenly Phoenix Tree?”

The cultivators gathered in Sacred King City all had some influence, so the elder’s harsh words naturally displeased the one who had voiced the theory. However, when he saw who the speaker was, his displeasure vanished.

It was Wang Meng, a retainer of the Wang Family of the Eastern Realm!

The Wang Family was one of the most powerful forces in the Eastern Realm.

Though they weren’t as powerful as the Forbidden Zone, the Forbidden Zone rarely interacted with the outside world, and the Two Polarities Sect, the most sacred ground in the Eastern Realm, always remained neutral.

With the Forbidden Zone and the Two Polarities Sect out of the picture, the Wang Family was at the top.

Beside Wang Meng sat a beautiful woman in a revealing red dress, her long hair cascading down her back, her lips painted a bright red. She chuckled softly. “Think about it, if the Jade Empress could fight, would she have returned to the Jade Pool Sacred Land so discreetly?”

It was Wang Ying, the cherished daughter of the Wang Family.

Even the Wang Family is involved…?

The cultivators exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the growing tension.

It seemed the Jade Empress’s return had truly shaken the Eastern Realm…

The silence stretched, then the chatter resumed, though it was more subdued now.

They all knew that tonight’s attack was just the beginning.

The Jade Pool Sacred Land had seemingly used the Pure World Seed to suppress the three Nascent Soul experts.

But what about tomorrow?

Could the Pure World Seed last until the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit ripened?

It seemed unlikely.

However, neither the rogue cultivators nor the ancient families knew that it wasn’t the Jade Pool Sacred Land who had taken action.

It was… the Jade Empress herself.

She didn’t have any spiritual energy, but…

Mu Zhi’an did.

…

Within the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother leaned back on her throne, listening to a report about the incident at the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

“Three elders from ancient families attacked tonight, and one of them even used a projection of an ancestral artifact. But they were all suppressed by the Jade Empress?” she asked, her brow furrowed, her voice laced with surprise.

She knew the Jade Empress was powerful, but to suppress three Nascent Soul experts without a vessel… it was astonishing.

“Yes… and Mu Zhi’an was there as well,” the messenger replied.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden, clad in a thin white dress, a faint silver light emanating from her, similar to the Jade Empress’s aura, looked at the messenger, her voice calm. “Were they all devoured by the Jade Empress’s vines? Their spiritual energy completely absorbed?”

The messenger nodded, and a thoughtful expression crossed her face.

This didn’t make sense… the Jade Empress shouldn’t have any spiritual energy without a vessel. How did she do it?

The Jade Pool Empress Mother also frowned, then she dismissed the messenger with a wave of her hand.

She retrieved a jade bottle from her sleeve and sent it flying towards the Jade Pool Holy Maiden.

“Yao Yue, take this pill to the Jade Empress,” she said.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden opened the bottle, then looked up at her, surprised. “The Spirit Nourishing Pill?”

It was an Eighth-Grade pill, the Spirit Nourishing Pill, similar in effect to the Soul Nourishing Pill. Even without a vessel, the Jade Empress could still absorb some spiritual energy from it.

“Weren’t you planning to use it to reach the Soul Transformation Realm…?” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden asked.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother shook her head, a gentle smile on her lips. “The Heavenly Dao’s laws have changed. I’ve tried, but I can’t break through. Reaching the Soul Transformation Realm isn’t just about destiny or effort. We have to wait for the Heavenly Dao’s permission.”

“The Spirit Nourishing Pill is useless to me for now.”

“Besides, the Jade Empress is our priority. Everything else can wait.”

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden carefully put away the pill and nodded. “I’ll take it to her now.”

Something was wrong with the Jade Empress. She shouldn’t have any spiritual energy, and yet she had suppressed three Nascent Soul experts.

Perhaps she had used some secret technique… but it might affect her vessel’s restoration.

The Spirit Nourishing Pill could replenish her spiritual energy… it was a waste, but they had no other choice.

An Eighth-Grade pill… even ancient families wouldn’t have many.

Eighth-Grade alchemists were rare, and Eighth-Grade pills required at least two or three Imperial-Grade medicinal herbs.

Imperial-Grade herbs were incredibly rare, taking tens of thousands of years to grow.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother was truly willing to pay any price for the Jade Empress’s return.

She could only hope everything went smoothly…

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden headed towards the Jade Empress’s chambers, the pill clutched tightly in her hand.

…

The candles in the Jade Empress’s chambers had been extinguished, and the air was filled with a faint sandalwood fragrance, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken tension.

The Jade Empress was clad in a green robe, her alluring figure barely concealed by the thin fabric, her aura cold and ethereal, a silk ribbon cinched around her waist, accentuating her ample bosom and slender waist.

Her long, slender legs were hidden beneath her skirt, her delicate feet adorned with embroidered shoes, her face, faintly flushed in the dim light, as beautiful as a painting.

“You suppressed three experts tonight, Fairy Sister, but they likely won’t suspect you. They’ll probably attack again tomorrow,” Mu Zhi’an said, sitting on the bed, his voice serious as if discussing a serious matter.

However, his gaze never left her, traveling up and down her body, admiring her beauty.

She truly was a fairy, her skin flawless, her every curve alluring, her posture elegant and refined. Even he, a seasoned womanizer, was momentarily speechless, unsure where to begin.

“Let them come. It’s a good opportunity to see how many enemies the Jade Pool Sacred Land has,” she replied calmly, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze, her confidence evident.

He nodded. “With your strength, Fairy Sister, suppressing them won’t be a problem.”

He paused, then added, “But there’s a… condition…”

A breeze rustled the curtains, revealing glimpses of her alluring figure.

The atmosphere in the room grew heavier.

She fell silent as she felt his hand on hers, his fingers gently intertwining with hers.

She looked up, meeting his gaze.

Before she restored her vessel, she needed spiritual energy to fight.

And she could only obtain it from… external sources… under specific conditions…

They both knew what had to be done.

Her composure faltered, and she quickly looked away, her cheeks flushed, her earlobes burning.

Her reaction, so different from her usual aloofness, made him even more eager.

He boldly leaned in, kissing her delicate cheek, his lips trailing down her neck.

When she didn’t resist, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer, the blanket covering them, concealing their intimacy.

…

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden walked through the quiet palace, her gaze sweeping over her surroundings.

The Jade Empress had dismissed the maids earlier, leaving only her and Mu Zhi’an in the palace.

However, as she entered the palace, she felt a sense of unease.

It was too quiet.

So quiet that she wondered if they had already left.

She then heard a faint sound coming from the back of the hall, and she walked towards it, her eyes narrowing as she spotted a room.

As she approached the room, a melodious voice echoed from within, “Can I help you?”

However, the voice, usually ethereal and distant, now held a hint of laziness and allure.

She hesitated, then spoke, her voice respectful. “The Empress Mother asked me to bring you the Spirit Nourishing Pill, Senior Jade Empress. May I enter?”

“Wait in the side hall. I’m currently… cultivating… and can’t be disturbed.”

The Jade Empress’s eyes were hazy as she looked at the young man in her arms, her delicate fingers tracing his cheek.

Her voice, as she spoke, was soft and alluring.

“Just… a little longer…”

Chapter 210: Suppressing Even the Jade Empress

Moonlight bathed the Jade Pool, lotus blossoms swayed gently in the breeze, and the ancient Heavenly Phoenix Tree rustled softly.

Several pairs of eyes were watching from the shadows.

They weren’t sure if the woman was truly the Jade Empress… in fact, they doubted it.

Though they had never seen her before, they couldn’t imagine the Jade Empress kissing a young cultivator in front of the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

The Jade Pool’s defenses were weakened tonight. It was the perfect opportunity to sabotage the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

But if she truly was the Jade Empress…

Even without a vessel, she was still a terrifying force.

Could they really sabotage the tree right under her nose?

It seemed impossible.

Two figures in the shadows exchanged glances, then retreated silently.

They were elders from ancient families, their auras concealed, their identities unknown, but their goal was the same: to destroy the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

But seeing the woman in the green dress… it had made them reconsider.

If she truly was the Jade Empress, attacking now would be risky.

She wasn’t radiating any spiritual energy… but that restrained aura was even more unsettling.

“Hmph.”

The third elder, a wizened old man, scoffed and attacked.

His withered hand transformed into a giant palm, reaching towards the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

A platinum sphere, radiating a dangerous aura, emerged from his sleeve, hovering above the tree.

An ancestral artifact!

The other two elders in the shadows gasped, surprised that a family would resort to using their ancestral artifact to prevent the Jade Empress’s return.

However, the artifact’s aura was carefully concealed, its true form hidden.

They were afraid of retaliation from the Jade Pool Sacred Land, so they had disguised its appearance.

The Jade Empress remained calm, her expression as serene as the moonlight, her movements unhurried.

Boom!

The ancestral artifact struck the formation protecting the Heavenly Phoenix Tree, a deafening roar shattering the night’s silence.

“Are you insane?! If you alert the others, we’ll never escape!” an elder hissed from the shadows.

“If you anger her, we’re all doomed!”

“I don’t care if she’s the Jade Empress or not! An Empress without a vessel is weaker than a Foundation Establishment cultivator!” the old man scoffed, his confidence stemming from the ancestral artifact in his possession. He was certain he could escape.

As for the others… they had chosen to infiltrate the Jade Pool Sacred Land. They should be prepared to die.

He attacked again!

He didn’t target the couple standing beneath the tree. His goal was clear: to destroy the Heavenly Phoenix Tree or delay its fruiting.

However, as he attacked, the Jade Empress sighed softly.

Mu Zhi’an felt an immense pressure emanating from her, an invisible force that seemed to crush the air around them.

The two elders in the shadows gasped, their hearts pounding, and they fled without hesitation.

An aura that terrified even Nascent Soul experts… it could only belong to someone at the Seventh Stage of Nascent Soul or higher!

There was a vast difference between those below the Seventh Stage and those above it. Once a cultivator reached the Seventh Stage and comprehended a sliver of the Great Dao, they became an unstoppable force.

Even if she wasn’t the Jade Empress, she was at least a Seventh Stage Nascent Soul expert who had comprehended the Great Dao!

He heard a cry of alarm from the shadows, and he turned to see a green vine wrapping around the two fleeing elders.

A soft, green light emanated from the vine, illuminating the Jade Pool.

The elders roared in terror as they felt their spiritual energy being drained, their vessels ceasing to function, their spiritual energy suppressed!

They fell silent a moment later.

The vine devoured them, their vessels dissolving into spiritual energy, their bodies vanishing without a trace!

The third elder, his hand trembling as he clutched his ancestral artifact, stared at the Jade Empress, his voice filled with fear. “You’re the Jade Empress?!”

Legend had it that the Jade Empress had only used two techniques in her battles, and those two techniques had been enough to suppress all her enemies.

And this mysterious vine… it was one of those techniques.

It was clear… she truly was the Jade Empress!

And contrary to rumors, she could use her spiritual energy!

But how…?

“No… if she’s the Jade Empress, why would she be kissing a young cultivator…?” he stammered, his eyes wide with fear.

Before he could finish his sentence, the vine wrapped around him, and his vessel shattered, the ancestral artifact in his hand dissolving into particles.

Three Nascent Soul elders from ancient families… dead in an instant!

Mu Zhi’an watched, his scalp tingling as the vine retreated back into the ground.

Her power… it was terrifying. She had effortlessly suppressed three Nascent Soul elders.

And she hadn’t even restored her vessel yet.

What was that vine? It could absorb spiritual energy… could she use it on him…?

A Dao Integration Empress… truly a force to be reckoned with.

He stared at the spot where the elders had vanished, then, after a moment of silence, he asked, “Was that an ancestral artifact?”

He remembered the weapon one of the elders had been holding. It had radiated a far more dangerous aura than any weapon he had ever seen before.

She shook her head. “It was an ancestral artifact, but not the real one. It was just a projection, its power far inferior to the real artifact.”

“They were willing to use an ancestral artifact to prevent your return. They’re desperate,” he remarked.

Not every ancient family possessed an ancestral artifact. Out of the hundreds of ancient families in the Eastern Realm, perhaps only ten possessed such a treasure.

And yet, they had been willing to use it to destroy the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

They clearly didn’t want her to return.

She looked at him, her voice soft. “There are many who wish to stop me.”

He nodded understandingly.

Some people didn’t want to see an Empress return to power.

However, her return was now inevitable.

If he hadn’t been here, the Jade Pool Sacred Land would have been in trouble.

After all, the elder hadn’t used the real ancestral artifact.

If he had, its power would have been unstoppable, even for a Nascent Soul expert.

Ancestral artifacts were weapons forged by Dao Integration experts. Though ordinary cultivators couldn’t wield their full power, they were still incredibly dangerous.

However, he had been facing the Jade Empress.

Even the real ancestral artifact wouldn’t have been enough.

If she wanted to, she could guard the Heavenly Phoenix Tree until it bore fruit.

As long as she had enough spiritual energy…

She looked at her hand, sighing softly.

She had used her technique only once, and the spiritual energy she had absorbed from him was already gone…

His cultivation level was too low. If he was a Nascent Soul expert, she could have extracted more spiritual energy.

“Let’s go back,” she said.

The attack had ruined her mood.

“Shouldn’t we guard the Heavenly Phoenix Tree?” he asked.

If it was destroyed… the consequences would be dire.

“There’s no need. I planted some vine seeds near it. If anyone attacks the tree, the seeds will retaliate,” she replied, shaking her head.

“We don’t have to worry for the next two days.”

“Your vines… they can absorb spiritual energy?” he asked.

“They simply convert the target’s spiritual energy into ambient spiritual energy. It wouldn’t be very effective against your Innate Celestial Vessel,” she replied, her green eyes twinkling with amusement.

“When we get back, I’ll extract some spiritual energy from your vessel. That should be enough to sustain me until the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit ripens.”

“How will you extract it…?” he asked, his gaze lingering on her.

Unfortunately, he still couldn’t see her face clearly, only a faint outline of her features.

“Let’s go back,” she said, her voice soft.

Her eyes, usually cold and distant, held a hint of shyness, which quickly vanished.

He had a feeling he knew what she was planning.

…

They returned to her chambers, the atmosphere between them strangely awkward.

They had been chatting comfortably before, but now, an uncomfortable silence had settled upon them.

“You saw the Heavenly Phoenix Tree tonight, Fairy Sister. Do you know when it’ll bear fruit?” he asked, breaking the silence.

She nodded.

“It’ll likely bear fruit in half a month. Perhaps even sooner, in ten days.”

She sat down on the bed, her ample bosom straining against her dress, her long, slender legs hidden beneath her skirt, her delicate feet adorned with embroidered shoes, her aura ethereal and unattainable.

Her green robe, her cherry-red lips, her captivating beauty… they tempted him, but the aura she radiated filled him with awe, suppressing any inappropriate thoughts.

Even he, a seasoned womanizer, felt a sense of pressure in her presence. Though she was concealing her aura, his Innate Spiritual Body made him sensitive to it, especially when they were alone.

He couldn’t handle her.

He poured himself a cup of tea, taking a sip to calm his nerves.

A Dao Integration Empress… even without a vessel, her aura was terrifying… once she restored her vessel and regained her full power… it would be even more overwhelming.

She’s not easy to handle…

He then noticed her gaze and looked up, meeting her eyes.

“What is it?”

“I told you I would extract some spiritual energy from your vessel,” she said.

He nodded. “Please, tell me what to do, Fairy Sister. I’ll cooperate.”

“You don’t have to do anything,” she replied.

She stood up, walking towards him, her movements graceful and alluring.

Though she appeared cold and aloof, she was incredibly attractive, and he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her as she approached him.

She reached out, her hand caressing his cheek. “Your vessel might need half a month to recover after the extraction. Are you sure about this?”

Half a month to recover…? She’s going to take all the spiritual energy from my vessel…?

The spiritual energy within his Innate Celestial Vessel came from the outside world, but its refinement rate was far faster than his other vessel. Even after all those nights with Bai Ruoxi, it had never been completely depleted.

A Dao Integration expert… she’s not easily satisfied… He nodded. “Anything for Fairy Sister.”

She stared at him, her eyes reflecting his image, her lips parting slightly, her voice as clear and melodious as a songbird.

“Close your eyes.”

Her voice, enhanced by her Dao, was naturally alluring, especially to those of lower cultivation levels.

And even without her Dao, her words, spoken by a Dao Integration Empress, were impossible to disobey.

He closed his eyes obediently.

He then smelled her delicate fragrance, and he opened his eyes, meeting her gaze.

Her beautiful face was inches away from his, her long eyelashes fluttering, her green eyes as pure and clear as a mountain stream.

She blushed slightly, her eyes flickering with surprise as he opened his eyes, a rare display of emotion from her.

“C-close your eyes,” she said again, her voice barely a whisper.

However, he didn’t obey this time. He met her gaze, then, under her surprised eyes, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

“You close your eyes,” he whispered, his voice soft, his gaze fixed on her.

She froze, her eyes widening, a hint of confusion in her gaze.

A mere Core Formation cultivator… telling her to close her eyes?

However, after staring at him for a moment, she closed her eyes.

… I’ll humor him. Let’s see what he dares to do.

He bent down, his hand on the back of her knee, and lifted her into his arms, carrying her towards the bed.

He turned back, extinguishing the candles with a flick of his finger, then drew the curtains.

I’ll show you what it means to be dominated by a Core Formation cultivator, Your Majesty!

Chapter 209: Ye Lingxuan is Cultivating

Since time immemorial, Dao Integration had been the ultimate goal of cultivators. The Jade Empress’s name was renowned throughout the land, and her captivating beauty had captivated countless hearts.

Her return naturally caused a stir within the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

Hundreds of forces had converged on Sacred King City, their eyes fixed on the Jade Pool, some with malicious intent.

For a month, the Jade Pool Sacred Land had been preparing for a confrontation, willing to pay any price for the Jade Empress’s return.

And yet, she had agreed to Mu Zhi’an’s plan, withdrawing most of their forces from the Heavenly Phoenix Tree…

And she had admitted that her vessel hadn’t been restored yet.

Without a vessel, how could she fight…?

The elders, even the Jade Pool Empress Mother, were filled with doubt and worry.

However, as the leader of the Jade Pool Sacred Land, she couldn’t disobey the Jade Empress’s orders. “Very well. I’ll escort you both to your chambers.”

She glanced at Mu Zhi’an, a gentle smile on her lips. “Come with me, Young Master Mu.”

“Thank you, Senior,” he replied, bowing politely.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden watched them leave, her eyes filled with a strange glint.

The Jade Empress had said her vessel hadn’t been restored, but she had also said she had a way to obtain spiritual energy… An unsettling thought crossed her mind, a theory that seemed absurd if spoken aloud.

But she was the Jade Empress. She must have a plan… They could only trust her.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden pushed aside her thoughts and turned to Wei Mengrou, a faint smile on her lips. “Come with me, Miss Mengrou.”

Wei Mengrou glanced at Mu Zhi’an, then nodded silently, following the Jade Pool Holy Maiden towards the guest chambers.

As they walked along the corridor, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden asked, “You seem to be with Young Master Mu often, Miss Mengrou.”

“Yes,” Wei Mengrou replied curtly. She was a woman of few words, especially around strangers.

“Do you know what kind of relationship they have with the Jade Empress?” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden asked, her voice probing.

“The Jade Empress resides within his vessel. She rarely appears. I don’t know how much they interact,” Wei Mengrou replied, shaking her head.

She knew her young master well.

He had never hidden anything from her. She knew all his secrets, even his… colorful past… She knew which courtesans he had frequented, which noble ladies he had been intimate with.

Perhaps that was why he had simply given up trying to hide anything from her.

However, she was telling the truth. She didn’t know the true nature of their relationship.

But she could guess.

The Jade Empress… she wasn’t as pure and innocent as she appeared… she was likely quite… scheming…

However, it wasn’t her concern.

She would simply focus on her own duties.

…

Mu Zhi’an followed the Jade Pool Empress Mother along a corridor, the Jade Empress walking beside him, her embroidered shoes silent on the soft carpet, her movements graceful, her gaze sweeping over her surroundings, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother, her golden hairpin swaying gently as she walked, possessed a mature beauty that surpassed youthful charms.

Though she was past thirty, her skin was still firm, her figure still slender, her aura calm and composed.

She might not be as breathtakingly beautiful as the Jade Empress, but she was still more beautiful and elegant than most women.

He glanced at the Jade Pool Empress Mother’s alluring figure, then at the Jade Empress, his gaze lingering on her for a moment.

He then looked up, studying the palace, his eyes narrowing as he noticed a faint, almost invisible formation.

So the Jade Pool Sacred Land’s formations are already active… He thought.

He had read some books about formations at the Two Polarities Sect, and he could tell that the formations were already active.

The Jade Pool Sacred Land was clearly prepared for a confrontation.

A warm fire crackled in the hearth, its warmth chasing away the chill, a faint sandalwood fragrance filling the air. Several maids stood respectfully at the sides of the room.

“You may leave,” the Jade Empress said, her voice echoing softly through the room. “You can also deactivate some of the formations. There’s no need to burden the others.”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother nodded, then dismissed the maids with a glance.

She turned to Mu Zhi’an, her voice gentle. “Thank you for your help, Young Master Mu. We’ll repay your kindness.”

“It was my honor to help Senior Jade Empress. She sacrificed so much to protect the people of the Eastern Realm,” he replied, shaking his head.

“Besides, I owe a debt to the Peak Master of the Metamorphic Jewel Peak. We’re already connected by fate.”

The Peak Master of the Metamorphic Jewel Peak was the Jade Pool Empress Mother’s son. He had learned this from Yan Ruyu.

He had been surprised to learn this, as her appearance and demeanor didn’t betray her age.

She smiled warmly, then, before leaving the room, she looked at him, her gaze lingering for a moment.

He was the first man to ever stay in the Jade Empress’s chambers.

She didn’t know why the Jade Empress had asked him to stay. Was it simply to protect him, or… did he have another purpose…?

…

After everyone had left, the Jade Empress walked towards the bed, her movements graceful.

Her green dress, as thin as gossamer, clung to her curves, her fair skin shimmering with a faint, silver light, her back slender and alluring, her long, elegant neck exposed.

She sat down on the bed, her expression calm and composed, as if nothing could faze her.

“Are you nervous?” she asked, looking up at him, her green eyes sparkling, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze.

Hundreds of forces, including ancient families with Nascent Soul experts, had gathered in Sacred King City, their eyes fixed on the Jade Pool Sacred Land, waiting for the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit to ripen.

Some were simply curious, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary Jade Empress, while others hoped to prevent her return and sabotage the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

He was just a young cultivator from Tianxuan City, less than six months removed from his arrival at the Two Polarities Sect. It was understandable if he was overwhelmed by this situation.

He nodded. “A little.”

He had always been a master manipulator, playing with people’s hearts… and he had continued doing so at the Two Polarities Sect.

Of course, at the Two Polarities Sect, he wasn’t playing with just anyone’s heart. He was playing with Miss Bai’s heart.

Regardless, in the face of absolute power, schemes and tricks were often futile.

She was surprised, her gaze lingering on him for a moment.

“I thought you would deny it.”

She had expected him to shake his head, to maintain his composure, to avoid appearing weak in front of her. But he had admitted his nervousness so readily?

As the thought crossed her mind, he chuckled. “It’s my first time sharing a room with a fairy, after all.”

He smiled at her, enjoying her momentary silence. “With Fairy Sister here, what do I have to worry about?”

She hadn’t restored her vessel yet… but she had him.

His spiritual energy was enough to suppress their enemies.

She stared at him, her green eyes unreadable, the atmosphere in the room growing heavy with unspoken tension.

She sat there for a while, then looked up at the moon shining through the window. “The moon is beautiful tonight. Come for a walk with me.”

He nodded, understanding her unspoken invitation.

…

The Jade Pool Sacred Land was located in a secluded area, near the border of the Eastern Realm. Cultivators passing through often stopped at Sacred King City to rest before continuing their journey.

However, the usual tranquility had been replaced by a tense atmosphere, a calm before the storm, as countless eyes watched the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

But it didn’t faze him or the Jade Empress.

They strolled through the gardens, eventually reaching the central courtyard.

A towering tree stood in the center of the courtyard, its branches reaching towards the sky, moonlight filtering through its leaves, casting a soft glow upon the surroundings.

“Is that the Heavenly Phoenix Tree?” he asked, staring at the ancient tree in the center of a pond.

He could sense the potent spiritual energy emanating from it, concentrated in several areas.

She nodded, her gaze fixed on the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit. “I brought a seed from the Chaos Realm long ago. It took tens of thousands of years to grow this large.”

“It bears fruit every few years… but sometimes it doesn’t.”

“Tens of thousands of years…” he repeated, glancing at her, admiring her beauty.

The moonlight illuminated her fair skin, her slender figure, her ethereal aura. She seemed both close and distant, as if she belonged in a celestial palace, beyond his reach.

Her beauty, both subtle and captivating, her voice as melodious as a songbird, stirred a longing within him, a desire to unravel her mysteries.

She’s tens of thousands of years old…?

If each life spanned five thousand years… she must have lived three lives already…?

“You’re thinking about something… inappropriate, aren’t you?” she asked, her voice clear and sharp, her tone calm, but he sensed a hint of danger.

He pretended to be oblivious, his gaze fixed on the Heavenly Phoenix Tree. “I was just thinking… the path of cultivation is long. I wonder how long it’ll take me to reach your level, Fairy Sister.”

“Without any opportunities, you’ll likely never reach it,” she replied softly.

Cultivation wasn’t just about talent and effort. It also required “destiny.” That was why the Two Polarities Sect tested their disciples’ destiny.

But even with talent, effort, and destiny, reaching Dao Integration was incredibly difficult.

Very few succeeded.

“That’s… discouraging,” he chuckled.

“But it’s the truth, isn’t it?” she said, her smile as bright as the moon.

“Opportunities are often left behind by those who came before us. That’s how we progress on the path of cultivation.”

He looked at her, his gaze lingering on her beautiful profile. “I know I’m far from your level, Fairy Sister. I’ve never… expected anything.”

He looked up at the moon, his voice soft. “I just hope… that many years from now, you’ll remember… that a humble cultivator once admired you.”

He shook his head, chuckling wryly. “Apologies. I’m feeling a bit sentimental tonight. I shouldn’t burden you with these thoughts.”

She turned to him, a faint smile gracing her lips. “Do you know… the path I walk… it not only makes people like me, but it also allows me to sense their true feelings.”

Holy crap, why didn’t you tell me sooner…? He maintained his composure, his gaze fixed on the moon, his heart pounding.

“And you… your feelings are sincere. But they’re not directed at just one person,” she added.

She turned to face him, reaching out, her cool, soft hand caressing his cheek.

“Close your eyes,” she whispered, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Again?

He hesitated, then closed his eyes, obeying her silent command.

He felt a soft, cool sensation on his lips, and he opened his eyes, meeting her gaze.

“What do you think your little lover would say if she saw this?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Which one? I have quite a few… He thought, his heart pounding.

She noticed his reaction, and a flicker of amusement crossed her eyes.

But it was quickly replaced by a sense of alertness.

She glanced at something beside them, then looked away, her expression unchanged.

He stared at her, her cheeks flushed, her beauty even more captivating, and he boldly wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer, savoring the feel of her body.

He leaned in, about to deepen the kiss, when his Innate Spiritual Body alerted him to a presence nearby.

He glanced towards the edge of the pond.

It seemed their first “guest” had arrived.

Chapter 208: Let Him Stay in My Chambers Tonight

Unaware of the commotion in Sacred King City, Mu Zhi’an arrived at the Jade Pool Sacred Land and was escorted by the Jade Pool Empress Mother to a spacious and brightly lit hall.

A faint mist, imbued with spiritual energy, swirled around the hall. At its end stood a majestic throne, flanked by rows of white jade tables, where a dozen elders were seated.

Some were elderly, their hair as white as snow, while others were middle-aged, their beauty mature and alluring.

He recognized two of them: the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, Yao Yue, and Yao Xin, the fairy who had tried to recruit him earlier.

Both were beautiful and elegant, one exuding a calm and composed aura, her fair skin shimmering with a faint silver light, the other more lively and energetic, her eyes filled with complex emotions as she looked at him.

She had confidently declared that he wouldn’t be able to obtain the Rebirth Water from the Forbidden Zone.

And yet, in less than a month, he had not only obtained it, but he had also helped the Jade Empress rebuild her body.

He glanced around the hall, then bowed respectfully. “Greetings, seniors. I am Mu Zhi’an.”

He was used to dealing with elders, having spent considerable time with the Peak Masters of the Two Polarities Sect.

However, he still maintained a humble demeanor.

“Please, have a seat, Young Master Mu,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother said with a smile, gesturing towards a seat.

She was a beautiful and alluring woman, her luxurious robe adorned with a golden hairpin, a faint holy light emanating from her, illuminating her fair skin.

He sat down beside the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, offering her a polite smile.

“Young Master Mu, did the Jade Empress not return with you?” an elder asked.

“She’s currently resting within my vessel, Senior, but she’s awake,” he replied, smiling at the elder.

The elders straightened their postures, and the Jade Pool Holy Maiden glanced at him, her gaze lingering on his black and gold robe.

Since learning about his Innate Celestial Vessel, she understood why the Jade Empress had chosen to reside within his vessel.

It was a treasure, perfect for both cultivation and nourishing one’s spirit.

She didn’t know what the Jade Empress was thinking, but she had to admit… she had been tempted when she had sensed the potent spiritual energy within his vessel.

“We would normally hold a feast in your honor, Young Master Mu, but the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit is of utmost importance. We’ll have to postpone the feast until after it has ripened,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother said.

The Heavenly Phoenix Fruit was a coveted treasure, and countless eyes were watching it.

The reason was obvious… the Jade Empress’s tribulation had been witnessed by many, and the ancient families knew how important the fruit was to her recovery.

If they were to sabotage or steal the fruit, it would jeopardize her recovery.

The Jade Pool Sacred Land had deployed most of its forces to protect the Heavenly Phoenix Tree.

Mu Zhi’an nodded understandingly.

“Speaking of which, are most of your forces currently guarding the Heavenly Phoenix Tree?”

The Jade Pool Empress Mother nodded.

They didn’t know much about him, but he was trusted by the Jade Empress, so they saw no harm in sharing this information with him.

“Do you have something to say, Young Master Mu?” an elder asked, sensing his hesitation.

“I was thinking… you might want to withdraw some of your forces,” he said after a moment of thought.

Before they could ask why, he continued, “Those who are targeting the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit are likely powerful ancient families, perhaps even rivals of the Jade Pool Sacred Land. And there might be more than one family involved. Keeping your forces there… it might lead to unnecessary casualties.”

“We’re prepared to sacrifice everything for the Jade Empress, Young Master Mu. You needn’t worry,” the Jade Pool Empress Mother replied, shaking her head.

Yao Xin, resting her chin on her hand, studied him. “We wouldn’t want any casualties, Young Master Mu, but we can’t risk losing the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.”

“Unless… you have a better solution?”

The elders turned to him, their gazes expectant, and even the Jade Pool Holy Maiden looked at him with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

He wasn’t the type to speak without thinking. He must have a reason for suggesting they withdraw their forces.

Perhaps he had a better solution?

Though it seemed unlikely.

He was just a Core Formation cultivator. He couldn’t possibly change the situation.

At least not with the resources he currently possessed.

“I wouldn’t say I have a solution,” he replied, shaking his head. “I’m just a Core Formation cultivator. I can’t protect the Heavenly Phoenix Tree from those powerful families.”

“However, just because I can’t do it, doesn’t mean the Jade Empress can’t.”

Silence fell upon the hall.

Yao Xin frowned. “Even if the Jade Empress has rebuilt her body, she doesn’t have a vessel yet. How can she use her spiritual energy to fight?”

If she had a vessel, his suggestion would make sense. But she had just rebuilt her body. Her vessel hadn’t been restored yet.

They had hoped he had a solution, a way to avoid sacrificing their disciples or resorting to using their ancestral artifact to deter their enemies.

If the Jade Empress could intervene, she could easily suppress them all.

But without a vessel, she was powerless.

He chuckled.

They were all mistaken.

The Jade Empress didn’t have a vessel, and the ancient families knew it.

She had faced a Body Tempering Tribulation, despite already being a Dao Integration expert. Why?

The older experts had already guessed the truth: she had rebuilt her body.

That was why she needed the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit.

Under normal circumstances, the Jade Pool Sacred Land would have to defend the Heavenly Phoenix Tree with their lives, even resorting to using their ancestral artifact.

But these weren’t normal circumstances.

He was the solution to their problem.

As long as the Jade Empress agreed…

The Jade Pool Empress Mother shook her head. “You don’t seem to understand Dao Integration, Young Master Mu. The Jade Empress doesn’t have a vessel yet. She can’t use her spiritual energy. We’ll repay your kindness later.”

“Leave this matter to us. You’ve done enough for the Jade Empress.”

As she spoke, a clear and melodious voice echoed through the hall. “I actually think his suggestion is a good idea.”

The hall fell silent, and they all turned to see the Jade Empress hovering in the air beside Mu Zhi’an.

She was breathtakingly beautiful, her figure ethereal, her delicate feet seemingly touching the void, ripples spreading outwards from her, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze.

“Senior Jade Empress!” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Yao Xin also stared at her, her admiration evident.

The elders stood up, and even the Jade Pool Empress Mother rose from her throne, her gaze fixed on the Jade Empress’s alluring figure.

“Does this mean… your vessel has been restored…?” the Jade Pool Empress Mother asked, her voice trembling slightly.

If she agreed with his suggestion, it meant she was willing to intervene and suppress their enemies!

Did it mean she had not only rebuilt her body, but also restored her vessel?!

However, before their excitement could grow, she shook her head. “My vessel hasn’t been restored yet.”

“But there are other ways to obtain spiritual energy.”

She looked at Mu Zhi’an, remembering Ye Lingxuan kissing him in front of her.

She didn’t elaborate, quickly changing the subject. “It’s getting late. We should rest.”

“Are my chambers still available?” she asked, her voice soft.

“Yes, Senior! We’ve been cleaning them every day. They’re ready for your return!” an elder exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother turned to the Jade Pool Holy Maiden. “Yao Yue, Young Master Mu must be tired. Escort him to the guest chambers.”

The Jade Empress shook her head, her lips curving into a faint smile. “You needn’t worry about him.”

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden stared at her, about to ask why, when she spoke again.

“Let him stay in my chambers tonight.”

Silence fell upon the hall, and they all stared at her, their expressions blank.

The Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s eyes widened, and she looked at Mu Zhi’an, realization dawning.

The Jade Empress seemed oblivious to their reactions. She turned to him, her lips moving slightly, her eyes filled with a playful glint.

“Since you suggested that plan…”

“You should… take responsibility, shouldn’t you?”

Chapter 207: A Gathering Storm at the Jade Pool

After the Jade Empress returned to his Innate Celestial Vessel, Mu Zhi’an prepared to leave the Ancestral Ground.

Ye Lingxuan, despite her reluctance, maintained her usual composure, only watching him leave before turning back to the Reincarnated Empress’s nine lifetimes of inheritance.

She wasn’t particularly strong yet. Though her talent was exceptional, the other girls she knew were also incredibly gifted.

Bai Ruoxi and Wei Mengrou had already reached the Core Formation Realm, and Senior Sister Lan had even reached Nascent Soul.

Only by receiving this inheritance could she gain a voice among them.

Furthermore, the Desolate Time Lock’s power was determined by its master’s cultivation level. It was the ancestral artifact of the Forbidden Zone, but no one had ever truly wielded its full power.

It was the Reincarnated Empress’s weapon, and only its true master could unlock its full potential.

As her cultivation increased, so would the chain’s power. Even if Mu Zhi’an wasn’t in the Eastern Realm, she could still use it to bring him back to her.

…

As she closed her eyes, beginning her inheritance, Mu Zhi’an stepped out of the Ancestral Ground.

He realized that the puppet had sent them to the deepest part of the Ancestral Ground. He was now in a vast, open area, surrounded by countless disciples.

He even saw his future aunt-in-law.

She was breathtakingly beautiful, her dark dress accentuating her curves, her brown hair cascading down her back, a faint black mist swirling around her, adding to her allure.

She was meditating, so he didn’t disturb her and continued walking.

“Your aura… it’s become even more delicious. Be careful at the Jade Pool. Don’t let anyone devour you,” a melodious voice echoed in his mind.

Ye Siyu, with her Sacred Spirit Body, was sensitive to spiritual energy, and she had sensed the change in his aura.

“Don’t worry, Aunt Siyu. I’ll be careful,” he replied, transmitting his voice, a smile on his face.

She might appear aloof, but she was actually quite kind. She considered him family because of Lingxuan.

He treated those who were kind to him with kindness.

Besides, he was rather interested in his aunt-in-law.

…

He soon spotted Wei Mengrou, clad in her yellow dress, standing in the shadows outside the Ancestral Ground.

She was so still that he almost missed her.

“When did you arrive, Mengrou?” he asked, approaching her with a smile.

“Yesterday,” she replied, her voice flat.

He was used to her coldness.

“When are we leaving for the Jade Pool Sacred Land?”

“Tomorrow,” he replied after a moment of thought.

According to the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit wouldn’t ripen for a while, so there was no rush.

He glanced at the mirror reflecting the sky above. “Have you tried that mirror, Mengrou?”

It showed people their future selves. Though cultivators could control their appearance, he was still curious to see what she would look like in the future.

She shook her head.

“Why don’t you try it?” he asked.

“Aren’t you curious about your future self?”

She hesitated, then nodded silently. “Alright.”

Though only those with the Forbidden Zone’s bloodline could enter the Ancestral Ground, the mirror’s power affected everyone.

As she walked towards the mirror, he asked, “Do you want to try it too, Fairy Sister?”

“It can’t show the future of those who have reached Dao Integration. It’s pointless,” she replied, her voice echoing in his mind.

“Then why can’t it show my future…? Am I a Dao Integration expert?”

“It was likely created by the master of the Forbidden Zone or the Reincarnated Empress. It can see through time, but it can’t show the future of those who have surpassed Soul Transformation. Also, if someone’s destiny is concealed, it won’t appear in the mirror either.”

“Are you saying my destiny is concealed, Fairy Sister?” he asked, watching Wei Mengrou approach the mirror.

“It’s possible. But not necessarily.”

He frowned, lost in thought.

If my destiny is concealed, who did it…?

Could it be the freeloading Spirit Dragon? He wondered.

…

The mirror’s surface rippled as Wei Mengrou stepped onto it.

However, instead of showing her future self, it showed a scene.

A woman was walking through a ruined city, flames licking at the crumbling buildings.

She was clad in a simple robe, her delicate features still beautiful, though her eyes seemed to have lost their spark.

Who is that? She looks so much like Mengrou…

He frowned, studying the scene. It didn’t look like it was taking place in the Eastern Realm.

No, those ruins… they don’t look like buildings from this era.

And what are those characters? He noticed some characters on the buildings.

They weren’t characters from the Great Qian Dynasty.

What is this place?

Crack!

A sharp, cracking sound echoed through the air.

“Bring her back. The mirror can’t continue showing that scene. It’ll shatter,” the Jade Empress’s voice echoed in his mind.

“Mengrou, come back!” he transmitted his voice, his tone urgent.

She seemed to snap out of a daze, turning to him.

She then flew back towards him.

A crack appeared on the mirror’s surface, then slowly began to repair itself.

Like all artifacts, it had a spirit, and it could heal itself, though it would take time.

He watched her approach, his brow furrowed.

What era was that scene from?

Why did the mirror show him that when she stood before it?

“There are no two identical leaves in the world, but there are leaves that are similar in shape. And those leaves might be connected,” the Jade Empress said, sensing his confusion.

“So the woman in that scene… she might be someone who resembles Mengrou?” he murmured, lost in thought.

It seemed Wei Mengrou had more secrets than he had imagined.

He had gained the “Reincarnator” title after obtaining that bronze fragment.

And she had absorbed the fragment… so she must be the Reincarnator.

It was a logical conclusion.

However, based on her behavior, she didn’t seem like a Reincarnator.

He couldn’t see any signs of it.

“What is it?” she asked, noticing his gaze.

“Can’t I admire your beauty?” he asked with a smile.

There was no point in rushing things. He would investigate slowly

At least he knew she was loyal. That was enough for now.

He would uncover her secrets, and the truth behind that scene, in due time.

He had seen some characters on those ruined buildings. Characters that didn’t belong to the Great Qian Dynasty.

They looked like ancient characters.

Perhaps he should visit the Book Pavilion and ask Elder Yan if she recognized them.

…

He returned to his residence with Wei Mengrou, then, the next morning, he left the Forbidden Zone.

His priority was to rebuild the Jade Empress’s vessel and her body. Everything else could wait.

With her by his side, he would be much safer.

…

The Jade Pool Sacred Land had once been one of the most powerful forces in the Eastern Realm, witnessing the rise and fall of countless dynasties.

Even after the Jade Empress’s disappearance a thousand years ago, it had remained a prominent force.

Her tribulation had shaken the Nine Realms, sending shockwaves through the Eastern Realm.

Ancient families had been sending spies to the Jade Pool Sacred Land, hoping to learn more.

A Dao Integration Empress… if she was truly alive, the consequences for the Eastern Realm were unimaginable.

However, one thing was certain: the Jade Pool Sacred Land would rise to become one of the most powerful forces in the Nine Realms, rivaling even the Forbidden Zone.

There were many legends about the Jade Empress, but they all agreed on one thing: she was a beautiful and ethereal fairy.

“She’s already an Empress. Dao Integration experts only face two tribulations. If she’s facing another tribulation, it means something happened to her body,” a cultivator remarked, his voice filled with speculation.

He was among the many cultivators who had gathered in Sacred King City, near the Jade Pool Sacred Land, after the Jade Empress’s tribulation.

They were cultivators from ancient families, hoping to gain favor with the Jade Empress, and rogue cultivators, seeking opportunities.

Though the tribulation had occurred in the Forbidden Zone, the ancient families had sensed something amiss.

They suspected something had happened to the Jade Empress, and they knew the Jade Pool Sacred Land would do anything to heal her.

The increased security around the Heavenly Phoenix Tree was a clear indication of their desperation.

“Legend has it that the Heavenly Phoenix Fruit can regrow limbs and even resurrect the dead. The Jade Empress disappeared a thousand years ago, and now she’s facing another tribulation. If I’m not mistaken, she’ll be facing her Primordial Spirit Tribulation next. The Jade Pool Sacred Land won’t be trading any Heavenly Phoenix Fruits this year,” another cultivator said.

The Heavenly Phoenix Tree bore fruit once every few years, yielding five or six fruits each time.

If the Jade Empress was truly injured, they would keep all the fruits for her.

“If she returns, the power balance in the Eastern Realm will shift,” a rogue cultivator remarked, his tone amused.

“These ancient families… they’re all here for the Jade Empress, aren’t they?”

“Who isn’t here for her?” another rogue cultivator chuckled.

Who wouldn’t want to see the legendary Jade Empress? Even a glimpse would be enough.

She was a Dao Integration Empress. Even if they couldn’t gain any benefits from her, simply seeing her would be a blessing.

However, not everyone was happy about her return.

Some ancient families didn’t want to see the Jade Pool Sacred Land rise to power. It would disrupt the current balance of power in the Eastern Realm.

…

Sacred King City was buzzing with activity.

And within the Jade Pool Sacred Land, a commotion was brewing.

The Jade Pool Empress Mother sat on her throne, instructing the elders to activate the formations, ensuring the Jade Empress’s safety while she rebuilt her vessel.

Though the ancient families of the Eastern Realm were friendly towards the Jade Pool Sacred Land, it didn’t mean they would simply stand by and watch a Dao Integration Empress return to power.

As she was issuing orders, a maid rushed into the hall, her voice filled with excitement. “Empress Mother, Mu Zhi’an is requesting an audience!”

The Empress Mother’s eyes lit up, and even the usually aloof Jade Pool Holy Maiden, Yao Xin, seemed excited.

“He actually made it back from the Forbidden Zone…?” she murmured, her eyes filled with a strange glint.

She had known, since the Jade Empress’s tribulation a few days ago, that he had successfully obtained the Rebirth Water for her.

A mere Core Formation cultivator had actually convinced the master of the Forbidden Zone… if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn’t have believed it.

The Empress Mother stood up, her figure as beautiful and alluring as a peony flower, her mature beauty surpassing youthful charms.

She looked at the maid, her voice calm but firm.

“Take me to him.”

…

Hundreds of forces had gathered in Sacred King City, their gazes fixed on the Jade Pool Sacred Land.

A rumor had spread through the city, originating from within the Jade Pool Sacred Land, on the day Mu Zhi’an had arrived.

A single sentence that had sent shockwaves through the city.

The Jade Empress has returned to the Jade Pool Sacred Land!

Chapter 206: The Jade Empress: I Shall Raise Your Husband Myself

This celestial realm, this entire Forbidden Zone… it was all created by Lingxuan…?

Mu Zhi’an’s mind was filled with questions as he processed the Jade Empress’s words.

“This senior isn’t the Reincarnated Empress…?” he asked, turning to the Jade Empress.

“She is the Reincarnated Empress,” she replied, nodding.

“But not entirely.”

This fairy loves to be cryptic and keep people in suspense. I wonder if she’s like this all the time… He thought, quickly suppressing those inappropriate thoughts and looking at her with a sincere expression. “What do you mean, Fairy Sister?”

Lingxuan also looked at her, curiosity evident in her eyes.

Though she still resented the Jade Empress for her public display of affection towards Mu Zhi’an, she had to admit that the Empress, with her vast knowledge and experience, was far more knowledgeable than any of them.

The Jade Empress hovered in the air, her green dress accentuating her slender figure, her aura as ethereal and unattainable as a celestial being.

She smiled faintly, her gaze sweeping over Lingxuan before settling on Mu Zhi’an. “She isn’t the true Reincarnated Empress. She’s a puppet created by the Reincarnated Empress.”

“She lacks self-awareness because the true Reincarnated Empress didn’t grant her consciousness. She only gave her a single purpose.”

She looked at the woman in the white dress. “To wait.”

“She’s waiting for the true inheritor to enter the Ancestral Ground and fulfill her task.”

“And Lingxuan is the true inheritor?” he asked, then his eyes widened as realization dawned. “So Lingxuan… she’s the Reincarnated Empress?”

If the Forbidden Zone was created by Lingxuan, and the puppet had been waiting for someone…

The answer was clear.

The puppet was waiting for her creator, the perfect inheritor of the Forbidden Zone.

Ye Lingxuan was the Reincarnated Empress!

The Jade Empress nodded, her gaze fixed on the puppet. “It seems so.”

Lingxuan stared at her, then, as the puppet nodded silently, understanding filled her eyes.

She was surprised, but not entirely shocked.

She had always been a prodigy, her cultivation speed surpassing that of her peers.

It wasn’t just a slight advantage. She was three, even five times faster than others.

Even the master of the Forbidden Zone had been surprised by her talent.

She had always been known as the most talented disciple in the Forbidden Zone.

She was truly a Chosen One.

But she had never imagined that she was the Reincarnated Empress. Her heart was filled with a strange mix of emotions.

“Will she still be herself after receiving the inheritance?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

The puppet nodded silently. “Each life is a new beginning. After nine lives, she will achieve supreme enlightenment and transcend reincarnation, becoming an eternal being.”

The Reincarnated Empress’s path involved nine reincarnations, culminating in supreme enlightenment and eternal life.

And Ye Lingxuan… she was the culmination of that path.

“Lingxuan is that amazing?” He looked at her, his voice filled with awe.

He had known she was a “protagonist,” that she had a powerful background, but he had never imagined that she was the Reincarnated Empress.

It was as if he had caught a beautiful fish for his pond, then discovered it was a baby orca.

And then, as the truth unraveled, he realized: Holy crap, it’s a mosasaur!

No wonder the Desolate Time Lock had flown into her hand the moment the inheritance ceremony had begun.

It was her weapon, her destiny.

He knew a Reincarnator, and now he knew a Reincarnated Empress. His heart was filled with a strange mix of emotions, and a flicker of worry crossed his mind.

Were there any Transmigrators among the people he knew?

What if one of them suddenly started talking about computers?

And there was another problem.

The Desolate Time Lock.

It could manipulate time, and Lingxuan had expressed a desire to keep him by her side… the chain had even reacted to her thoughts.

Once she received the Reincarnated Empress’s inheritance and became the Empress of the Forbidden Zone.

Would she act on those thoughts…?

As he pondered this, the Jade Empress’s voice echoed in his mind. “Why did she invite him into the Ancestral Ground? She’s just a puppet.”

“She needs his vessel for the future. She’s going to bestow an aura upon him,” the puppet replied calmly.

The Jade Empress’s eyes widened. “If I’m not mistaken, each of your nine lives created a unique aura that resides within you… are you referring to one of those auras?”

The puppet nodded silently.

“Aren’t you worried he’ll leave Lingxuan…?” the Jade Empress asked.

The puppet looked at Lingxuan. “The Desolate Time Lock has already marked him. It’s fine.”

Once the Desolate Time Lock marked someone, it could retrieve them from anywhere in the Nine Realms, even the distant Western Regions.

Lingxuan didn’t possess such power yet.

But in the future…

Why does it sound like the Desolate Time Lock is some kind of long-range retrieval device…? He thought, a sense of unease growing within him.

The puppet turned to him. “You can refuse if you don’t want to accept it.”

A unique aura, cultivated for five thousand years… it was a tempting offer.

However…

It sounded like she intended to store the aura within his Innate Celestial Vessel, then return it to Lingxuan later.

He didn’t understand why she was going through so much trouble.

However, storing the aura within his vessel would also be beneficial to him.

The Innate Celestial Vessel was originally formed from spiritual energy, and his various “encounters” had enhanced it, allowing it to evolve.

And now, if he received the aura of one of the Reincarnated Empress’s past lives, even if it was eventually returned to Lingxuan, his vessel would be further enhanced during the time it resided within him.

… Though the enhancement wouldn’t directly benefit him.

The joy would be hers, not his.

“Accept it. That aura will be useful to you in the future,” the Jade Empress transmitted her voice.

“If you can comprehend the Dao she attained in that life, it’ll make your Soul Transformation tribulation much easier.”

He wouldn’t directly benefit from storing the aura within his vessel, but the Dao it contained… that was something he needed.

“I intend to accept it,” he replied, transmitting his voice.

“For you, and for Fairy Sister.”

She was surprised, then she met his gaze, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Very well,” she murmured.

Lingxuan noticed their exchange, her brow furrowing slightly.

She had a feeling they were hiding something from her.

It bothered her.

He smiled inwardly, noticing the flicker of emotion in the Jade Empress’s eyes.

See? Persistence pays off.

She might be an aloof and revered Empress, but she wasn’t completely unapproachable.

His words had touched her heart.

He then felt a cold sensation on his wrist.

He looked down and saw the Desolate Time Lock wrapped around his wrist.

“…!”

He quickly composed himself, turning to the puppet. “Senior, I accept your offer.”

“For me, and for…”

He trailed off, glancing at Lingxuan, his gaze filled with love and tenderness.

She looked away, blushing, and raised her hand.

The Desolate Time Lock, which had been tightening around his wrist, retreated back into her sleeve.

“Apologies, Brother Mu. The Desolate Time Lock… it’s still new to me. I’m still learning to control it. I didn’t mean to do that” she said softly.

I understand, Lingxuan. You have no ill intentions. You’re just a sweet and innocent girl who cares about her brother… He shook his head, smiling. “I know. It’s the chain’s fault, not yours.”

He turned to the puppet. “When will the inheritance ceremony begin, Senior?”

“It can begin now,” she replied.

He nodded, then looked at Lingxuan. “Will yours begin now as well?”

The puppet nodded again.

“Can you wake me up when Brother Mu is ready to leave the Ancestral Ground?” Lingxuan asked the puppet.

“I want to see him off.”

The puppet hesitated, then nodded.

It would delay the inheritance ceremony, but she wouldn’t disobey her creator’s orders.

A slight delay wouldn’t affect the inheritance’s integrity.

The Jade Empress watched them, her expression calm, her every movement graceful, her aura alluring.

…

Three days passed.

Mu Zhi’an’s inheritance ceremony only took three days.

He wasn’t receiving a full inheritance, only one of the Reincarnated Empress’s auras, which was being stored within his Innate Celestial Vessel.

As the aura entered his vessel, he felt a profound Dao resonating within him.

It was the Dao the Reincarnated Empress had attained in that life, and he could now sense it.

Being friends with a protagonist really does have its perks. He opened his eyes, savoring the aura within his vessel, its Dao resonating with his being.

Lingxuan also opened her eyes.

The puppet had awakened her.

“Brother Mu,” she called out.

He turned to see her standing up, her hands smoothing her skirt as she walked towards him.

“If you encounter any danger at the Jade Pool Sacred Land, prioritize your safety,” she said softly.

“Don’t worry. I will,” he replied with a smile, touched by her concern.

“Besides, don’t you trust my abilities?”

She nodded. “I do.”

She glanced at the Jade Empress, who was watching them from a distance, her expression calm.

Seeing her, Lingxuan couldn’t help but recall the events at the Rebirth Pool.

She turned back to Mu Zhi’an, her eyes flickering with a mix of emotions, then she reached out, her hand on the back of his head.

Imitating the Jade Empress’s actions, she leaned in, her soft lips pressing against his.

He was surprised, then, seeing the shyness in her eyes, his heart pounded, and he returned her kiss.

Though she wasn’t wearing any lipstick, her kiss was still intoxicating.

The Jade Empress watched them silently.

After what felt like an eternity, they parted.

Lingxuan exhaled softly, her breath sweet and warm.

Now the scent the Jade Empress had left on him… it was hers.

She glanced at the Jade Empress, her cheeks flushed, but her eyes held a spark of triumph.

She released him and took a step back, turning to the Jade Empress. “I’ll leave him in your care, Fairy Sister,” she said with a smile.

“Don’t worry,” the Jade Empress replied, her voice ethereal.

She hovered in the air, her delicate feet as white as jade.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze meeting Lingxuan’s.

“I’ll take good care of your Dao Companion.”

Chapter 205: The Destined Heroine, Ye Lingxuan!

If the Reincarnated Empress was still alive, why hadn’t she appeared before? Not even during Lingxuan’s previous visit to the Ancestral Ground?

Lingxuan stared at the woman in the mirror, her mind racing.

She had never seen the Reincarnated Empress during her past visits to the Ancestral Ground.

Could it be that she only appeared during the inheritance ceremony?

As Lingxuan pondered this, the elders, watching from a distance, exchanged shocked glances.

The Jade Empress’s appearance, her tribulation, her kiss with Mu Zhi’an right before her ascension… it had all been a shock.

And now, before they had even recovered, they were faced with an even more astonishing revelation: the Reincarnated Empress might still be alive!

“Did I see that correctly? Did she just wave at us?” Third Elder stammered, staring at the woman in the mirror, his disbelief evident.

“She wasn’t waving at us. She was waving at our Miss,” Great Elder replied, his cloudy eyes filled with surprise.

If the Reincarnated Empress had truly been awakened by their Miss… her talent was unimaginable.

“Why did Mu Zhi’an enter the mirror?” Elder Ye Ying suddenly asked, her eyes narrowed.

They all looked at the mirror, noticing that Mu Zhi’an, who had been standing before it a moment ago, had vanished.

He had disappeared along with Ye Lingxuan.

“He entered the Ancestral Ground?”

“But he doesn’t have the bloodline. The Ancestral Ground didn’t acknowledge him. How did he get in?” an elder frowned.

“There’s something strange about him. The Rebirth Pool acknowledged him as well.”

“The Chaos Body is rare, but it doesn’t explain why the Rebirth Pool acknowledged him and bestowed those auras upon him…”

As they discussed this, Great Elder’s voice echoed through the air. “The Rebirth Pool might not have acknowledged him, but it might have acknowledged the one within his body.”

The elders who hadn’t been at the Rebirth Pool turned to him, their eyes questioning. “What do you mean, Great Elder?”

He raised his eyelids slightly. “You find it strange that he was acknowledged by the Rebirth Pool. That’s understandable.”

“However, have you considered why the master never restricted his movements? Why did he allow him to freely access the Rebirth Pool?”

They frowned, their eyes flickering with thought.

“Now that you mention it… it is strange…”

They had initially assumed he had struck some kind of deal with the master.

But then the tribulation had descended…

Third Elder’s thoughts raced, and he looked at Great Elder. “The Jade Empress… she’s within Mu Zhi’an’s body?!”

The other elders were stunned, then realization dawned, and they recalled recent events, their breaths catching in their throats.

“If that’s the case… it explains why he was able to enter the Ancestral Ground.”

With the Jade Empress’s power, sending him into the Ancestral Ground would be a trivial matter.

They all felt a sense of relief.

However, Great Elder remained silent, his gaze fixed on the mirror, his eyes filled with a strange glint.

The Jade Empress had come to the Forbidden Zone to use the Rebirth Pool to rebuild her spirit. Now that she had achieved her goal, there was no need for her to enter the Ancestral Ground.

She might have helped Mu Zhi’an if he had asked.

But what if he hadn’t asked her?

What if he had entered the Ancestral Ground… not because of the Jade Empress… but because of the Reincarnated Empress…?

The thought was too shocking to voice, so he kept it to himself, his eyes flickering with surprise as he stared at the mirror.

…

“So this is the Ancestral Ground? It’s so desolate…”

Mu Zhi’an and Ye Lingxuan stood in a barren wasteland, a swirling chaos stretching before them, as if the heavens and earth had yet to be separated.

“This is how it always is. It’s said to be a replica of the environment where the Reincarnated Empress once lived,” Lingxuan explained, nodding.

“So she lived in a place like this?”

He murmured, looking around.

He didn’t see any other disciples.

“That’s strange. We entered together. Where are Sister Siyu and the others?”

“I entered with my mother and two elders last time, and we were all in the same area,” she replied, her brow furrowed.

“So our location within the Ancestral Ground is random?”

He nodded, then he tried to recall the Reincarnated Empress’s appearance, glancing at Lingxuan.

Though he couldn’t remember her features, he still had a few keywords associated with her in his mind: “sexy,” “cold,” “curvaceous,” “long hair,” “white dress”…

He could use those keywords to identify her.

And the woman before him… she matched those keywords perfectly!

Despite her simple attire, she was undeniably beautiful, her charm undeniable.

Lingxuan exchanged glances with him, then turned to the woman, her voice hesitant. “Senior… are you the Reincarnated Empress?”

The woman turned to face them.

He finally saw her face clearly.

Her delicate features, her long eyelashes, her slender waist, her smooth skin, her long, slender legs, her delicate feet…

She looked exactly like Lingxuan’s future self!

“I am not the Reincarnated Empress,” she replied, her voice soft, her gaze fixed on Lingxuan.

“But… didn’t you create the Forbidden Zone?” Lingxuan asked, her confusion evident.

Who else could be in the Ancestral Ground besides the one who had created the Forbidden Zone?

However, the woman shook her head. “I did not create the Forbidden Zone.”

She didn’t elaborate. Her gaze shifted to Mu Zhi’an, and she spoke, her voice calm. “Jade Empress, how long do you intend to spy on us from within his body?”

As she spoke, the Jade Empress materialized beside Mu Zhi’an, her green dress elegant and refined, her presence calming.

It’s so reassuring to have Fairy Sister by my side… He inhaled her delicate fragrance, his anxiety fading.

Her presence, her voice… they had a calming effect on him.

She smiled at the woman. “No wonder I sensed something strange about Lingxuan.”

“So that’s how it is…”

She glanced at Lingxuan, her green eyes filled with a strange glint.

She had thought Lingxuan was a baby orca, but it turned out… she was a mosasaur.

“What do you mean, Fairy Sister?” he asked, his mind struggling to process all this information.

“The one who created the Forbidden Zone… it wasn’t the Reincarnated Empress,” she replied, turning to Lingxuan.

“The one who created the Forbidden Zone, who created this Ancestral Ground… it was you.”

Ye Lingxuan… was the true Chosen One.

Chapter 204: The Reincarnated Empress

Dawn broke over the Forbidden Zone, and Mu Zhi’an stood atop a cliff overlooking a vast ocean.

A shimmering mirror, stretching from the heavens to the earth, reflected the sky above.

This was the Ancestral Ground, the inheritance grounds of the Forbidden Zone, the place where the Reincarnated Empress, the founder of the Forbidden Zone, had once resided.

Disciples were gathering at the edge of the ocean, eager to receive the inheritance, to enhance their bloodline, to boost their cultivation.

“Fairy Sister, do you know how to enter the Ancestral Ground?” he asked, trying to communicate with the Jade Empress.

“It’s a celestial realm created by the Reincarnated Empress. I’ve never been there,” she replied, her voice echoing in his mind.

You’re definitely not asleep… He thought.

He had asked partly out of curiosity about the Ancestral Ground, but mostly to see if she was truly asleep within his vessel or if she was observing the outside world.

It seemed… she hadn’t been asleep at all.

“We’ll be leaving for the Jade Pool Sacred Land in a few days. I need to ensure your safety. If I were to fall asleep, there might be… complications,” she explained.

Sure, I believe you. He thought.

“You two, come and try,” an elder’s voice called out from below.

He turned to see the elder standing at the foot of the cliff, then bowed politely and flew towards the ocean.

Nine ancient stone tablets, each depicting a woman, stood at the edge of the ocean.

The woman’s pose differed on each tablet, but her appearance was the same.

“Legend has it that the Reincarnated Empress lived nine lives, each spanning five thousand years. The elders of the Forbidden Zone gave her that title. No one knows her true name,” Ye Lingxuan whispered beside him.

So the title “Reincarnated Empress” wasn’t her real name… He studied the tablets, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“What about that mirror?” he asked, glancing at the massive mirror reflecting the sky above.

“It’s also part of the celestial realm, a secret technique left behind by the Reincarnated Empress. Those who stand before it can see their future selves,” she explained.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Though she usually appeared calm and composed, she was actually quite concerned about her figure.

She was still young, so her lack of development could be attributed to her age.

But what about in a few years?

If things remained the same… it would be a tragedy.

In the eyes of others, she was a perfect goddess, her beauty flawless, her figure slender and graceful, her feet as delicate as jade.

However, even she had her insecurities.

Among the girls she knew, her… chest was the least developed… though it wasn’t completely flat, it was still lacking, especially compared to her younger sister, Ye Qian.

“Wow…”

A gasp of admiration echoed behind them, and he turned to see Ye Siyu stepping onto the mirror.

She was clad in a dark, knee-length dress, her feet adorned with embroidered boots, her fair skin glowing against the dark fabric, her beauty breathtaking.

However, his gaze was drawn to the woman reflected in the mirror.

She had the same brown hair, but it now cascaded down to her calves, tied with a ribbon at the end. Her figure was taller, curvier, more alluring…

“She’s even more beautiful now…” a disciple murmured, his voice filled with admiration.

“She was always a beauty. It’s not surprising she grew up to be so stunning,” another disciple replied.

“Why are you only focused on her appearance? Look at her evaluation!” a female disciple scolded, exasperated by their shallowness.

Look at Young Master Mu. His expression hasn’t changed at all. He’s so calm and composed…

He was indeed calm and composed, his black and gold robe elegant and refined, his figure unmoved by the sea breeze.

It wasn’t because he wasn’t attracted to beauty.

He stroked the Desolate Time Lock, which was writhing behind him, and stared at Ye Siyu’s reflection, his voice serious. “So that’s what she’ll look like when she’s older? But how do we know what kind of inheritance she’ll receive?”

Lingxuan beckoned with her finger, and the chain uncoiled from his back, slithering into her sleeve.

“The Ancestral Ground evaluates everyone who steps onto the mirror. The higher the grade, the better the inheritance,” she explained, her gaze fixed on Ye Siyu.

“I see…” he murmured.

Ripples spread across the mirror’s surface, then Ye Siyu vanished.

“She’s entered the Ancestral Ground,” Lingxuan said, sensing his confusion.

As she spoke, an ancient character appeared on the mirror’s surface.

“Tenth-Grade.”

Ye Siyu’s bloodline evaluation was Tenth-Grade!

The disciples gasped, their surprise mixed with admiration. It was an expected outcome.

She was the master’s younger sister, sealed within a formation by the elders, awakened in this era. They wouldn’t have gone through so much trouble if she wasn’t exceptionally talented.

“She’s truly worthy of being the master’s sister. She likely possesses the most perfect bloodline after our Miss!”

“Ye Cian is going next,” a disciple said.

They watched as the young man flew towards the mirror.

His reflection appeared, a handsome young man, his features refined.

His evaluation: Ninth-Grade.

They weren’t surprised.

Both he and Ye Siyu possessed a strong bloodline. It was within their expectations.

Mu Zhi’an didn’t step forward immediately. He observed the other disciples as they entered the mirror.

Their future selves appeared, then their bloodline evaluations, before they vanished into the Ancestral Ground.

What kind of secret technique did the Reincarnated Empress use to create this mirror…? He thought, impressed.

“It’s your turn, Miss,” an elder said gently.

The elders and disciples treated her with respect, not only because of her status, but also because of her kind and humble demeanor.

Unlike many from ancient families, she wasn’t arrogant or condescending.

Her politeness endeared her to the elders.

She nodded, then, under their watchful gazes, she walked towards the mirror.

Silence fell upon the crowd as they watched her.

The sound of the waves faded, the sea breeze stilled, and only the sound of her footsteps on the mirror echoed through the air.

“Hmm…”

He heard the Jade Empress’s voice in his mind, laced with a hint of confusion.

“What is it?” he asked.

“There’s something… strange… about her,” she replied.

As they watched, her reflection appeared on the mirror’s surface.

The whispers ceased.

The woman in the mirror was clad in a purple dress, her delicate features more mature and alluring than Lingxuan’s current appearance.

But that wasn’t what surprised them.

He stared at her reflection.

Her appearance… it slowly overlapped with the woman depicted on the stone tablets.

Lingxuan’s future self… she resembles the Reincarnated Empress?!

“She’s truly worthy of being our most perfect inheritor. Her bloodline is the strongest we’ve ever seen,” an elder murmured, his eyes filled with admiration.

A brilliant, golden light enveloped her.

The mirror… it didn’t give her an evaluation!

Or rather… her bloodline was so strong that it didn’t need an evaluation!

The disciples stared at her, their eyes filled with awe, their gazes lingering on her future self, a majestic and powerful empress.

They envied Mu Zhi’an.

She would become their Empress, and he… he would be her husband…

They couldn’t help but glance at him.

She also looked at him, her eyes soft, her lips curving into a smile. “Why don’t you try it too, Brother Mu?” she transmitted her voice.

He nodded.

He wasn’t particularly interested in the inheritance itself, but he was curious to see what his future self would look like.

“Infuse it with a bit of your spiritual energy, and it’ll show you your future self,” she explained, her mood clearly improved.

She had been worried about her lack of development… but her future self in the mirror… she had a mature and alluring figure… though not as ample as Ruoxi’s, she was satisfied.

“It seems Mu Zhi’an is going to try as well,” an elder remarked, noticing his spiritual energy.

The elders looked at him, watching as he infused the mirror with his spiritual energy.

Only those with the Forbidden Zone’s bloodline could enter the Ancestral Ground.

But even if he didn’t have the bloodline, the mirror would still show them his future self.

He was their Miss’s Dao Companion, after all. They were curious about his future.

…

Time passed, but the mirror remained unchanged. It only reflected his current appearance. His future self didn’t appear.

However, because of their experience at the Rebirth Pool, they didn’t speak, patiently waiting.

Two incense sticks burned out.

The mirror was still unresponsive.

“It seems he truly doesn’t have the bloodline. The Ancestral Ground doesn’t acknowledge him,” a disciple said, sighing with relief.

He had caused quite a stir since arriving in the Forbidden Zone. They were relieved to see he wasn’t acknowledged by the Ancestral Ground.

Mu Zhi’an stared at his reflection, lost in thought.

If he hadn’t seen the other disciples enter the mirror, he would have thought it was just an ordinary mirror.

“It seems you don’t have the bloodline, Brother Mu,” Lingxuan said softly, her brow furrowed.

“But even if you don’t, it should still show your future self.”

Even those without the bloodline could see their future selves in the mirror. Why wasn’t his reflection changing…?

Then, the mirror’s surface rippled, and a desolate landscape appeared, a woman in a white dress standing at its edge.

She was beautiful, but they couldn’t describe her features. Whenever they looked at her, only one thought filled their minds: She’s beautiful.

And then they would look away… and forget her appearance.

“The Reincarnated Empress,” Lingxuan murmured, staring at the woman.

He studied her, her eyes deep and mysterious, her figure slender and graceful, her skin fair, her hands bound by a golden chain.

The Desolate Time Lock!

This must be a vision from the past. The real Reincarnated Empress had long since vanished… and the Desolate Time Lock was now in Lingxuan’s possession.

What were her thoughts in her final moments…? He wondered, his heart filled with a strange sadness as he looked at her.

More disciples entered the Ancestral Ground, and the once-crowded ocean seemed empty.

He was about to look away when he saw the woman in the mirror raise her eyes, her gaze fixed on something ahead.

What is she looking at…?

He followed her gaze, his eyes widening as he met hers.

“…!”

He shuddered, taking a step back, his heart pounding.

She’s staring at me?!

But her spirit shouldn’t be here anymore…

He turned to Lingxuan, his voice urgent. “Lingxuan, the Reincarnated Empress… she’s dead, right?”

She nodded. “The elders and my father confirmed it long ago. Her spirit no longer resides in the Ancestral Ground.”

“Why do you ask, Brother Mu?” she asked, curious.

“I felt like… she was looking at me,” he replied, his voice barely a whisper.

She chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re being paranoid, Brother Mu. If she was still alive, she wouldn’t have been so quiet all this time—”

She stopped abruptly, her ears catching a faint, melodious voice.

She looked up at the woman in the mirror.

She was clad in a simple white dress, her attire casual, but it couldn’t hide her alluring figure.

And she realized that the woman in the mirror looked exactly like her future self!

She stared at her, her disbelief growing, and she saw the woman wave at them.

… The Reincarnated Empress, who should be dead was waving at them?!

She stared at her, her mind reeling.

Could it be… she’s still alive?

Chapter 203: The Ancestral Ground’s Inheritance

Mu Zhi’an had never seen the Desolate Time Lock before. He had never even read about it in any books.

However, he had encountered similar artifacts at the Two Polarities Sect.

The Metamorphic Jewel Peak specialized in imbuing artifacts with spirits.

And judging by the Desolate Time Lock’s behavior, it was likely a spirit artifact as well.

The golden chain, resembling an ordinary rope, coiled around Ye Lingxuan, gently caressing her cheek.

“Is it a spirit artifact?” he asked.

She nodded, stroking the chain. “It chooses its master whenever the inheritance ceremony begins. Whoever it acknowledges becomes the next master of the Forbidden Zone.”

The chain lingered around her for a moment, then moved towards him, coiling around him just as affectionately.

“It seems fond of me too,” he remarked, surprised.

He had never seen it before. Why was it so friendly?

“It’s connected to its master’s heart,” she explained.

He thought for a moment, then reached out, touching the chain.

So because Lingxuan likes me, it likes me too…?

It was truly a unique artifact, unlike any other.

Suddenly, the chain lashed out, binding his wrists.

He reacted instantly, trying to pull away, but his spiritual energy, which had surged to his fingertips, retreated back into his vessel.

“It can suppress spiritual energy?” he murmured, his eyes widening as he realized its power.

“It can suppress spiritual energy, and it can also manipulate time. One day for you might be only an hour for others,” she explained, her gaze fixed on him.

Like the Ancestral Ground, where the inheritance ceremony was held, the Desolate Time Lock could slow down time.

However, it was an artifact, while the Ancestral Ground was a… celestial realm…

“So it’s like… a localized time stop?” he asked, imagining… unpleasant scenarios…

Then, he remembered something. “You said it acts according to its master’s will…?”

So it had bound him because of her thoughts…?

She winked playfully. “It can act independently sometimes. Not everything it does reflects my thoughts.”

“I have no ill intentions towards you, Brother Mu.”

Her innocent expression, her cute attire… if someone didn’t know her, they would think she was a perfect goddess.

However, it was clear that the chain had bound him because of her thoughts.

He stared at her, his eyes narrowed, his suspicion evident.

She sighed. “Alright… I was considering whether or not to let you go to the Jade Pool Sacred Land.”

She was confident in her beauty.

Though she had kept a low profile in Tianxuan City, her appearance and her aura had still attracted many suitors.

And after her time at the Two Polarities Sect and her return to the Forbidden Zone, their numbers had increased significantly.

However, the Jade Empress… she was a threat.

She wasn’t inferior to her in terms of beauty, but the Empress… she wasn’t the type to play fair.

Her actions at the Rebirth Pool, her boldness… it was clear she wouldn’t hesitate to take what she wanted.

If she was so daring in the Forbidden Zone, what would happen if he went to the Jade Pool Sacred Land…?

She shook her head, banishing the unpleasant images from her mind.

She felt a warm hand on her cheek and looked up, seeing Mu Zhi’an, his hands still bound by the chain, gently caressing her face.

“You should trust me more, Lingxuan.”

“I already promised the Jade Empress. Do you want me to break my promise?”

Her eyes held a mixture of emotions as she glanced at him. “What if you don’t come back after you leave?”

Would the Jade Empress, once she had fully recovered, truly let him go?

She doubted it.

He shook his head. “I’ll come back to you, no matter what.”

He met her gaze, his voice filled with sincerity. “Besides, do you think I would abandon the esteemed young mistress of the Forbidden Zone?”

She remained unmoved, tilting her chin up slightly. “Who knows? Perhaps Fairy Sister will charm you, and you’ll forget all about me.”

“And…”

She paused, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Didn’t you say I could punish you if I saw you being intimate with another woman, Brother Mu?”

A breeze rustled the leaves, lifting her skirt slightly, revealing her slender legs and her delicate feet clad in embroidered shoes.

She still remembers… He quickly composed himself, meeting her gaze. “I deserve it. Punish me however you want, Lingxuan.”

He wasn’t particularly worried about her punishment… he knew she wouldn’t do anything too drastic.

In fact, he was rather… looking forward to it.

Perhaps she would make him lie down on the grass, then step on him with her delicate foot, her eyes filled with amusement.

Hmm… no, that sounded more like a reward than a punishment.

She studied him, her brow furrowed. “I have a feeling you’re thinking about something naughty, Brother Mu.”

“Before I release you, I have one question.”

“Who do you think is more beautiful, Fairy Sister or me?”

“You’re cuter,” he replied, his voice soft, his gaze fixed on her.

Her expression softened, and a faint smile graced her lips.

He had said “cuter,” not “more beautiful.”

He wasn’t sure if the Jade Empress was truly asleep. He suspected she had been awake the entire time, listening to their conversation.

His answer wasn’t perfect, but it had pleased Lingxuan without offending the Jade Empress.

He sighed with relief as the Desolate Time Lock uncoiled from his wrists and returned to her side.

That was close…

That chain was a dangerous weapon.

Even at the Foundation Establishment Realm, she could threaten a Core Formation expert… once she reached Nascent Soul, she would be able to bind even a Soul Transformation expert for a short time!

She was truly a “protagonist,” capable of defying all odds.

He couldn’t help but admire her.

Then, he noticed a common thread among the women he was involved with.

The Jade Empress’s vines could absorb spiritual energy, Lingxuan’s chain could suppress it… and Ruoxi’s Heart-Binding Lock could detect lies.

Hmm… they all had some kind of “lock”…

It was likely a coincidence, but if he ended up with all of them… he would have to be careful.

…

She looked towards the northern sea, where dark clouds were gathering, a gentle, golden light flickering within their depths, causing the clouds to tremble.

“What’s that?” he asked, following her gaze.

“The Forbidden Zone’s inheritance,” she replied.

“It seems the Ancestral Ground has opened.”

Once she received the inheritance, her cultivation speed would increase dramatically, and then…

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, then she quickly composed herself, turning to him. “Do you want to come with me, Brother Mu? Perhaps you’ll receive an inheritance as well.”

He thought for a moment, then nodded with a smile. “Alright.”

It was common knowledge that those who befriended protagonists often benefited from their good fortune.

He didn’t care about the inheritance itself. He could always rely on Lingxuan later.

However… he was curious about the Forbidden Zone’s inheritance.

…

The Ancestral Ground was the most sacred and inviolable place in the Forbidden Zone.

It was said to be a celestial realm created by the first Empress of the Forbidden Zone, the Reincarnated Empress.

She was a legendary figure, her name lost to time, but her legacy lived on.

Within the Ancestral Ground, every disciple with the Forbidden Zone’s bloodline could receive an inheritance.

It opened once every few years.

However, this year’s inheritance ceremony was the most anticipated one yet.

The reason was simple: the birth of a Holy Maiden who was perfectly compatible with the Ancestral Ground’s inheritance.

The future Empress of the Forbidden Zone, Ye Lingxuan.

It was a historic event, and the disciples and elders were all eager to witness it.

…

A crowd had gathered before a vast ocean, the entrance to the Ancestral Ground.

“I heard the tribulation earlier was a Dao Integration Body Tempering Tribulation. Is it true?” a disciple asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

Though they hadn’t witnessed the Jade Empress’s tribulation, they had all sensed its terrifying aura.

Even Nascent Soul experts in other parts of the Nine Realms had felt its power.

“The Ancestral Ground opened early because of the tribulation, right?” another disciple remarked.

Under normal circumstances, they would be discussing the inheritance ceremony, but the Jade Empress’s tribulation had overshadowed everything else.

“Ye Cian, you were there, right? Was it truly a Dao Integration tribulation?” a disciple asked, turning to the prodigy.

They all stared at him, waiting for his answer.

He simply nodded, his expression grim.

What he had witnessed at the Rebirth Pool had shaken him to his core.

Wasn’t the ultimate goal of cultivation to reach Dao Integration, to resonate with the Great Dao?

And yet… Mu Zhi’an, despite his mediocre cultivation level, had already befriended the Jade Empress. And she had even kissed him…

And his own beloved Lingxuan was also infatuated with him…

It was a blow to his pride.

All those sayings about “women only hindering cultivation”… they were lies. Who wouldn’t be envious of a talented and beautiful female cultivator?

“Do you think Mu Zhi’an will come to the inheritance ceremony?” a disciple asked.

“What would he do here? He’s not from the Forbidden Zone. Is he here to watch the show?” another disciple scoffed.

“We can’t be sure. He received the Rebirth Pool’s approval. How can you be certain the Ancestral Ground won’t acknowledge him?” a female disciple retorted.

Ye Qing, clad in a blue dress, her figure elegant and alluring, spoke in a gentle voice. “If the Rebirth Pool acknowledged him, the Ancestral Ground might do the same.”

“Indeed. Based on his previous performance, it’s not impossible,” another disciple added, supporting Mu Zhi’an.

The voices of support came mostly from female disciples.

The male disciples fell silent.

Some of the female disciples were their childhood friends, their sisters, their cousins…

They couldn’t argue with them.

How did that guy manage to befriend so many girls…?

They had no idea that while they were diligently cultivating, he had been busy… “expanding his territory”… befriending their female relatives.

…

“It’s our Miss! She’s here!” a disciple suddenly exclaimed.

They all turned to see Ye Lingxuan approaching… and beside her…

… Mu Zhi’an.

Because of Ye Qing’s earlier words, they all stared at him with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

The Ancestral Ground was a sacred place, its inheritance reserved for those with the Forbidden Zone’s bloodline. But he had received the Rebirth Pool’s approval, despite being an outsider.

Would the Ancestral Ground acknowledge him as well?

“Lingxuan is so beautiful, and yet they’re all staring at me…?” he thought, noticing their gazes.

“You’re more popular than me, Brother Mu,” she remarked, her voice teasing.

He pinched her cheek playfully. “You know why they’re staring at me, right?”

“They’re wondering if I’ll receive the Ancestral Ground’s approval.”

“Why don’t you try? You have nothing to lose,” she said with a smile.

“And… you might actually receive its approval.”

He looked at the blue archway, the entrance to the Ancestral Ground, then nodded. “Alright.”

“Since they’re so curious, I’ll give it a try.”

He was also curious if he would be acknowledged.