Category: It turns out, they are the protagonists

Chapter 503: Your Highness, I Adore You! p2

Even a veteran like Mu Zhian couldn’t help but admire the Princess’s figure inwardly. Not only was her bosom impressive, but most importantly, her attire and temperament exuded the charm of a married woman. And her beautiful legs, covered in the translucent white silk stockings, added a touch of sacred inviolability.

“The Jade Empress is truly thoughtful. This dress design, paired with the Princess’s beauty, is simply perfect.”

A minister’s wife looked at this scene with envy and couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

As soon as these words were spoken, many other ministers also offered sincere praises, and the smile on the Great Peng Emperor’s face widened.

To this Cloud Province ruler, even though there was nothing between him and the Princess, in the eyes of the outside world, they were a perfect match.

Both were at the Dao Integration Realm, and his beloved consort’s beauty was unparalleled.

It was just a pity that after so many years, she was still so cold towards him in private.

If not, the Great Peng Emperor wouldn’t have been angered seeing the Princess chatting with a male cultivator under a pavilion earlier.

But the misunderstanding had already been cleared.

Mu Zhian’s Dao Companion was Fairy Yao Meng. With that fairy’s dominance and beauty, how could Mu Zhian dare have a secret affair with another woman behind her back?

Besides, his beloved consort wouldn’t possibly take a liking to him.

The music and dance were ongoing when the Princess’s gentle voice suddenly echoed through the hall: “I heard that while I was away from Cloud Province these past few days, many Sabbath envoys came to collect Luck… Have you sent anyone to confirm their movements?”

As soon as these words were spoken, the lively atmosphere seemed to quiet down slightly.

The ministers exchanged glances, seemingly seeing confusion in each other’s eyes.

Then, a minister cupped his hands and said, “In reply to Your Highness, the matter of the Sabbath is being handled by Wen Jun, but he’s feeling unwell today and didn’t attend the banquet…”

“A Nascent Soul Realm cultivator feeling unwell? Even if it’s an excuse, you should find a better one.”

The Princess’s voice was still soft and gentle, but her tone was colder.

As soon as these words were spoken, the ministers fell silent.

Seeing this, the Great Peng Emperor couldn’t help but smile, “There’s no need for my beloved consort to worry so much. With you and I in Cloud Province, the Sabbath can’t cause any trouble.”

“As for the Sabbath envoys collecting Luck… A little bit of Luck doesn’t really matter to Cloud Province.”

The Princess was silent for a moment, then opened her red lips and said, “But since the beginning of this era, Cloud Province’s Luck has been declining. Haven’t you ever thought about the reason?”

“Your Highness, there’s truly no need to worry so much. Not to mention that my Cloud Province has two Dao Integration Realm experts, even setting that aside… Cloud Province also has the Heavenly Dao’s protection,” a minister below said.

“Indeed, with the Heavenly Dao’s protection, even if the Luck declines to a certain extent, it will rebound… After all, the Heavenly Dao will protect Cloud Province.”

For a moment, many ministers below nodded in agreement, seemingly having sufficient confidence in the Heavenly Dao.

It was no wonder. They were born and raised under the Heavenly Dao’s protection, even the Spiritual Energy they cultivated was directly supplied by the Heavenly Dao, much denser than other places.

It could be said that Cloud Province was a blessed land favored by the Heavenly Dao.

The Great Peng Emperor also said, “My beloved consort must be overthinking things. You’ve been busy with external affairs recently. Leave the matter of the Sabbath to me, just rest for a few days.”

The Princess didn’t say anything more.

If the Great Peng Emperor truly wanted to send people to secretly confirm the Sabbath envoys’ movements, he would have done it long ago, instead of waiting for her to bring it up.

“You all continue drinking. I’ve had some insights recently and will go back to enter secluded cultivation.”

She sighed softly inwardly, put down her wine cup, and after saying this, gestured to the maid beside her and instructed, “Take Young Master Mu to a vacant room to rest.”

Mu Zhian looked at the Princess’s departing figure, then scanned the ministers in the hall, a thoughtful look on his face.

He nodded slightly, stood up, and prepared to leave the hall, led by the maid.

Just then, an attendant suddenly rushed into the hall and said, “S-something terrible has happened!”

“Why are you so panicked, have some composure!” a minister scolded.

The Great Peng Emperor’s gaze fixed on him: “What happened?”

“The living beings in a certain area in the north of Cloud Province have inexplicably aged. We received a report that the Forbidden Land of Life seems to be expanding outwards from the north,” the attendant said hurriedly.

“Forbidden Land of Life? We’ve always been at peace with it, why would…”

For a moment, the ministers attending the banquet were stunned.

“There’s no need to worry, everyone. I’ll personally go take a look,” the Great Peng Emperor reassured them, saying with a smile, “It’s not like this Seat hasn’t been to the Forbidden Land of Life before.”

Or rather, the Immortal Medicine he obtained was from the Forbidden Land of Life.

“Since it wants to expand, this Seat will personally go to the Forbidden Land of Life and suppress it!”

…

That night.

The Princess returned to her courtyard, sat on a cushion, and closed her eyes slightly, trying to calm her mind.

However, thinking of the events of the past thousand years, she couldn’t help but sigh softly.

When the Great Peng Emperor wasn’t a Dao Integration Realm expert yet, he had also focused on governing Cloud Province.

The Great Peng Emperor at that time didn’t believe in the Heavenly Dao, only in himself.

However, since the beginning of this golden age in the Nine Provinces, the Heavenly Dao’s Spiritual Energy began to gradually erode Cloud Province’s original Spiritual Energy, and Cloud Province became increasingly prosperous. Almost every cultivator’s cauldron was filled with abundant Spiritual Energy.

And it was also at this time that the Great Peng Emperor gradually became complacent, starting to focus all his energy on ‘Transcendence and ascension’.

Since the beginning of this new era in the Nine Provinces, the Great Peng Emperor had devoted a large amount of manpower and resources to exploring the Forbidden Land of Life, seeking Immortal Medicine.

Even with the Sabbath’s descent, he didn’t stop his exploration. Because of this, many Cloud Province cultivators died in the Forbidden Land of Life.

However, every time, the Princess filled the gaps behind the scenes, so everything had been peaceful.

She went to see Luo Tan a few days ago, partly wanting to know Luo Tan’s current thoughts on Cloud Province, and partly wanting to see her close friend.

And another reason was to see if the Great Peng Emperor would properly handle Cloud Province’s affairs while she was away.

Yet he neglected even the matter of the Sabbath, not even bothering to send someone to secretly track the Sabbath envoys.

This was a sign of arrogance, and also a sign that he didn’t care about Cloud Province’s affairs.

The Great Peng Emperor’s current focus was entirely on the Immortal Medicine he obtained.

He didn’t even notice the Heavenly Dao becoming increasingly ‘rampant’ these years, almost assimilating the entire Cloud Province.

Indeed, the Heavenly Dao was currently protecting Cloud Province, because everyone in Cloud Province believed in it.

But what if one day, more cultivators in Cloud Province started believing in the Earth Dao or the Human Dao?

The Princess sighed softly.

Although she had long known the Great Peng Emperor’s personality, she was still disappointed by his inaction.

She didn’t have any good solutions now, she could only continue maintaining order in Cloud Province… until she found the location of the Heavenly Court, then use the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy to resist the Heavenly Dao’s erosion.

Knock, knock…

Just as the Princess thought of this, she suddenly heard a soft knock on the door.

“Your Highness, is it convenient to come in now?”

Mu Zhian, why is he here…?

Despite her thoughts, the Princess still granted Mu Zhian permission to enter.

“Mmm… Come in.”

Mu Zhian pushed open the door and saw the plump and beautiful Princess sitting cross-legged on a cushion, her eyes closed slightly, a touch of crimson adorning her forehead, accentuating the charming allure of a married woman.

“I’ve decided to accept your previous proposal and help you reach the Heavenly Court,” Mu Zhian said in a low voice.

The Princess abruptly opened her eyes, staring at him with burning eyes.

Surprise and delight flickered in her beautiful eyes, her heart pounding, almost unable to contain her joy.

“You… why did you suddenly agree?”

The Princess tried her best to maintain her composure, wanting to know Mu Zhian’s purpose.

“I saw your conversation with the Great Peng Emperor in the hall earlier, and thinking about your contributions to Cloud Province all these years, I couldn’t bear it,” Mu Zhian smiled.

“Is this pity?” The Princess chuckled self-deprecatingly. She never imagined that she, a dignified Dao Integration Realm expert, would be pitied by a little cultivator.

“Not pity, but respect.”

However, Mu Zhian’s next words were unexpected.

“The Great Peng Emperor is wholeheartedly focused on Transcendence, and the ministers are all complacent under the Heavenly Dao’s protection. Only you are silently supporting the entire Cloud Province.”

Mu Zhian gazed at the woman’s veiled, beautiful face and said softly, “So I respect you very much.”

The Princess’s eyes flickered, momentarily speechless.

She didn’t expect a little cultivator who had just met her to understand and support her…

“Besides that… perhaps I also have some admiration for you.”

Mu Zhian chuckled self-deprecatingly, “I know Your Highness might find these words disdainful, but a woman supporting the entire Cloud Province… Such grace, any man would probably feel some admiration.”

The Princess was stunned, staring at Mu Zhian incredulously.

She didn’t expect this young man to be so bold, daring to confess his love to her when he already had the Jade Empress as his Dao Companion, and even had a secret relationship with Luo Tan.

Wasn’t this a blatant playboy?!

Yet she couldn’t sense any falsehood in Mu Zhian’s eyes or tone. It was a truly pure and sincere admiration.

Even from her fiancé, the Great Peng Emperor, she had never felt such sincere admiration.

Because the Great Peng Emperor pursued her simply for her body, and to use her body to try and communicate with the Great Dao.

At this moment, various emotions intertwined within the Princess’s heart. She originally wanted to scold Mu Zhian for his boldness and promiscuity, but for some reason, she didn’t feel any anger.

Instead, she felt somewhat flustered.

But as one of the rulers of Cloud Province, the Princess quickly calmed herself, looked up, and was about to speak.

Just then, Mu Zhian placed a finger against her lips, a warm and sunny smile on his face, and said, “You don’t need to give me an answer so soon, because before that, I will help you reach the Heavenly Court.”

“However, I might have to be a bit disrespectful.”

Before the Princess could recover from Mu Zhian’s bold confession, she asked dazedly, “Disrespectful how—”

Before she could finish speaking, Mu Zhian took two steps forward, and suddenly covered her eyes with one hand.

Then, through the veil, in the dim light, Mu Zhian captured the Princess’s rosy and delicate lips.

The Princess’s eyes were somewhat dazed, as if she hadn’t reacted yet.

Only after feeling the young man’s warm breath did she snap out of it, immediately pushing Mu Zhian’s hand away and staring at him, both embarrassed and angry.

“Mu Zhian, you—”

Then, before the Princess could speak, she found that her surroundings were no longer the same room.

This world was filled with incredibly dense Spiritual Energy.

“Where… where is this…?” The Princess looked around incredulously, finding that even with her Dao Integration Realm spiritual sense, she couldn’t determine their location.

“Since Your Highness has guessed where my Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy comes from, haven’t you ever wondered if I myself can enter the Heavenly Court?”

Just then, Mu Zhian’s voice suddenly came from behind, pulling the Princess back to reality.

She turned and saw the young man standing behind her at some unknown time.

At this moment, thoughts flashed through her mind like fleeting shadows.

Then, as if realizing something, the Princess’s heart suddenly raced.

“Is this the Heavenly Court?”

There was no mistaking it. The Spiritual Energy in this world was countless times denser than the Nine Provinces, and it was exactly the same as the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy she sensed in Cloud Province before.

Undoubtedly, this was the Heavenly Court.

But the question was, why was she here?

The scene of Mu Zhian kissing her through her veil in the bedchamber earlier flashed through the Princess’s mind, and her face flushed slightly.

She gazed at Mu Zhian, lowered her voice, and asked softly, “…Who are you, exactly?”

Chapter 503: Your Highness, I Adore You! p1

Cloud Province’s layout was unlike anything Mu Zhian had seen before. The imperial palace itself was a power suspended amidst the clouds.

Mu Zhian walked through the quiet imperial gardens, glancing around, and noticed many patrolling guards.

Most of the guards were around Qi Condensation Realm, and a few leaders were at Core Formation.

Mu Zhian tried scanning the area with his spiritual sense, then concealed his aura, scaled the wall, and saw the Princess of Cloud Province already waiting for him in the courtyard of the front hall.

The woman wore the meticulously tailored silver-white dress he had made. The plain shawl with its ornate cloud patterns and her elegant attire accentuated her delicate and charming face, making her look like a plump and beautiful peony.

She also seemed to sense Mu Zhian’s gaze and looked up.

Mu Zhian came back to his senses, coughed lightly, and said, “Your Highness, everyone is drinking at the banquet… such an important occasion, yet you sent me a letter. Could it be that there’s something urgent?”

The Princess gazed into Mu Zhian’s eyes and said softly, “The banquet tonight is just the Great Peng Emperor entertaining his ministers, and also using this opportunity to try and reconcile with you… You’ve already attended. Even if you leave early, the Great Peng Emperor won’t say anything.”

Mu Zhian feigned hesitation: “Such an important occasion, yet I’m having a private conversation with you in the side hall… Is it really okay?”

“I’ve set up a formation around the side hall, Young Master Mu needn’t worry.” The Princess’s voice was gentle as she gestured slightly towards the seat opposite her.

Looking at the young man sitting politely, the Princess couldn’t help but feel a bit more appreciative.

Despite his earlier presumptuous behavior, in most cases, the Princess found him quite courteous.

At least he knew it wasn’t appropriate to meet her here while the Great Peng Emperor was holding a banquet.

She also knew this.

But she couldn’t wait until the banquet ended to speak with Mu Zhian alone.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly and smiled, “Then I’m relieved.”

Come to think of it, the Great Peng Emperor’s fiancée having a private conversation with another man in the side hall on the night of the Great Peng Emperor’s banquet… Although he knew the Princess must have something important to discuss with him, it was still easy to imagine things.

“Young Master Mu, do you still remember our conversation when I took you to the sea of clouds today?”

The Princess’s voice was gentle, her beautiful eyes gazing softly at Mu Zhian, initiating the topic.

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment: “Your Highness and I talked about many things today, I’m not sure which one you’re referring to.”

“The Innate Celestial Furnace.”

The Princess’s voice was gentle and melodious: “In my experience, Young Master Mu is the first male Innate Celestial Furnace I’ve ever met… And also the first cultivator whose Innate Celestial Furnace contains Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy.”

“However, there are some things I don’t quite understand about this matter. Could you enlighten me, Young Master Mu?”

“Please speak, Your Highness. This junior will answer to the best of his ability,” Mu Zhian replied sincerely.

It wasn’t because he was attracted to her or anything. Mu Zhian always considered himself a reserved and polite gentleman, naturally not interested in married women.

However, she was currently doing her best to help him find the Cloud Smoke Willow, and had repeatedly stood by his side in front of the Great Peng Emperor. This alone made Mu Zhian feel some goodwill towards her.

“I only have one question…”

“How is the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy within Young Master Mu’s Innate Celestial Furnace replenished after being given to others?”

This was the question she cared about the most, the one she wanted to know the most.

Therefore, after asking, the Princess’s gaze fixed on Mu Zhian’s eyes, wanting to hear the answer from him.

However, after a moment of silence, Mu Zhian didn’t speak.

The Princess’s eyes dimmed, then she quickly regained her gentle smile, “Apologies… I was being too presumptuous. If it’s inconvenient to answer, then forget it.”

“It’s not that I can’t answer, but before that, I also want to ask Your Highness a question,” Mu Zhian said.

The Princess nodded slightly, “Please speak, Young Master Mu.”

“Judging by Your Highness’s words just now, you seem very interested in the Heavenly Court. But it’s said that Your Highness resonates with and believes in the Great Dao, right?”

Mu Zhian was quite puzzled: “Where exactly does the Spiritual Energy within the Innate Celestial Furnace come from? What significance does it have for you?”

The Princess didn’t answer, her expression somewhat complex. Her red lips parted slightly, as if she found it difficult to speak.

Seeing this, Mu Zhian said at the right moment, “Since Your Highness hasn’t decided yet, then I’ll take my leave today.”

“After all, this is the imperial palace, with many eyes and ears around. If someone sees me alone with Your Highness in this kind of place during the banquet, it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings…”

Just as Mu Zhian stood up, intending to leave, the Princess suddenly reached out and grabbed his clothes.

“Wait!”

Mu Zhian stopped.

The Princess looked up, as if making up her mind, and said, “This matter involves a secret of Cloud Province, so Young Master Mu must promise not to reveal it to a third person.”

What secret is so serious…? Mu Zhian nodded slightly, “Please speak, Your Highness.”

A hint of worry appeared in the Princess’s eyes, and she said softly, “I told you today that, in my understanding, what Cloud Province is closest to isn’t the Heavenly Dao, but the Heavenly Court, right?”

“Do you know why I think so?”

She slowly stood up, walked to the door of the side hall, looked up at the dark sky, and said, “Young Master Mu, why don’t you try absorbing the Spiritual Energy here?”

Mu Zhian was somewhat doubtful. He closed his eyes slightly, trying to draw the Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth into his cauldron. After circulating it for a small cycle, he successfully absorbed the Spiritual Energy.

It doesn’t seem like anything special—

Just as Mu Zhian thought of this, his train of thought suddenly stopped.

He abruptly opened his eyes and looked up at the Princess incredulously.

He saw the breathtakingly beautiful woman, a sarcastic glint in her eyes, saying faintly, “You guessed correctly. Everything in Cloud Province is being eroded by the Heavenly Dao, even the Spiritual Energy in this world is directly supplied by the Heavenly Dao.”

“How strange… The Spiritual Energy in Cloud Province is different from any other place in the Nine Provinces. There seems to be a ‘trace’ left by the Heavenly Dao within this Spiritual Energy,” Mu Zhian said.

“Before I reached Dao Integration, the Spiritual Energy in Cloud Province was different from now, but now, the Heavenly Dao’s Spiritual Energy has almost completely covered Cloud Province.”

The Princess said, “If Cloud Province truly is the closest place to the ‘Heavenly Dao’, why would the Heavenly Dao need to erode it?”

Eroding Cloud Province was to make the local cultivators believe in the Heavenly Dao, but the purpose of doing so was unknown.

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, then asked, “So what does this have to do with the Innate Celestial Furnace?”

He couldn’t actively use the Spiritual Energy within the Innate Celestial Furnace, only ‘passively’ give it to others. Even if he knew the Heavenly Dao was eroding Cloud Province, there seemed to be nothing he could do.

The Princess slowly shook her head: “I’m just thinking, if you replenish your Spiritual Energy from the Heavenly Court every time it’s depleted… perhaps we can use this method to find the location of the Heavenly Court.”

“What does Your Highness want to do in the Heavenly Court? Transcend and ascend, or… do you have other purposes?” Mu Zhian asked.

“The rules of heaven and earth don’t allow Dao Integration Realm experts to transcend, and I don’t have such intentions at the moment.”

The Princess said softly, “Compared to such an unrealistic thing as Transcendence, I’m more interested in finding the Heavenly Court’s location.”

“Perhaps I can find a way to counter the Heavenly Dao’s erosion there… Or if I can find the Lord of the Heavenly Court, perhaps I can find the answer from him.”

“I don’t think he can do anything either…” Mu Zhian said with a subtle expression.

The Princess’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. Although her voice was gentle, her tone carried a hint of instruction: “Since the Heavenly Court can exist beyond the world, even unaffected by the Heavenly Dao, it speaks volumes about the Lord of the Heavenly Court’s abilities.”

“Don’t be so absolute.”

Mu Zhian was silent for a long time, not speaking.

The Princess probably thought Mu Zhian was discouraged by her words. Her tone softened slightly, “But you don’t need to feel inferior. With your talent, and the Jade Empress’s support, even resonating with the Dao and reaching Dao Integration Realm isn’t impossible in the future.”

Mu Zhian nodded humbly, “I’ll keep Your Highness’s teachings in mind. However, the matter of Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy involves too many secrets. You’re a friend trusted by Empress Luo Tan, and I naturally trust you as well. But reaching the Heavenly Court might require paying a certain price…”

“I know, I’ve been prepared from the very beginning,” the Princess nodded. She knew everything came with a price, especially reaching the Heavenly Court.

Since stepping into the world of cultivation, cultivators had only two goals: one was Dao Integration, and the other was ascending to the Heavenly Court.

Because it was rumored that cultivators who ascended to the Heavenly Court could achieve immortality, and their cultivation speed there would far surpass the outside world.

And top-tier great powers like the Princess knew this rumor was true.

The Heavenly Court did exist.

However, unless the Path to Immortality appeared, it was impossible to ascend to the Heavenly Court… This was deeply ingrained in the minds of cultivators.

Wanting to enter the Heavenly Court without the right time, place, and people, even if it could be done, it would probably come at a heavy price.

But to resolve the issue of the Heavenly Dao’s erosion, the only way the Princess could think of was the Heavenly Court.

Mu Zhian pondered for a moment, then said, “Could Your Highness give me two or three more days to consider?”

A hint of disappointment appeared in the Princess’s heart, but she didn’t show it on her face. She nodded gently, “Young Master Mu has been away from the banquet for too long, it might arouse suspicion. Let’s go back.”

As Mu Zhian turned to leave, the Princess suddenly called out to him: “No matter your final decision, Young Master Mu, I will give you the Cloud Smoke Willow after I find it.”

Mu Zhian paused slightly, then hummed softly in agreement.

Leaving the side hall, Mu Zhian looked up at the gradually darkening sky and couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

He originally came to Cloud Province to find the Cloud Smoke Willow, but unexpectedly, before even finding it, he had gained something even greater…

If what the Princess said today was true, then she was indeed an enemy of the Heavenly Dao.

Not aligned with the Heavenly Dao, that meant she was his ally.

…

To avoid suspicion, the Princess deliberately returned to the banquet some time after Mu Zhian.

Many ministers of Cloud Province brought their wives and daughters today. They were all of high status in Cloud Province, their wives and daughters naturally quite beautiful.

However, with the Princess’s arrival, it was as if all the other women at the banquet were overshadowed.

Especially since she was wearing the dress made from Nirvana Silk today.

The dress meticulously designed by Mu Zhian naturally fit her perfectly. Although the style was somewhat conservative, almost completely covering the Princess’s skin, the little bit of exposed skin was snow-white and translucent. The tight-fitting silver-white dress couldn’t conceal her alluring figure.

Her long, curling hair was tied up in a bun, a strand of hair draped lightly over her shoulder, her demeanor dignified.

And the pale pink veil covering her face added a hazy and ethereal beauty, making one want to lift the veil and see her true face.

 

Chapter 502: The Place Closest to ‘Heaven’ p2

Today, the Princess wore the silver-white dress he had made, sheer white silk stockings covering her long and voluptuous legs. The strong wind pressed the dress against her chest, unable to conceal her alluring and sexy figure.

The setting sun cast a warm glow on her beautiful and fair face.

“Why did you bring me here?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

The Princess twirled around, her dress dancing, the skirt fluttering, bright and captivating.

“Consider it a reward for this dress,” the Princess said with a charming smile.

“I’ll investigate the location of the Cloud Smoke Willow after I go back today, then take you there,” she continued.

Mu Zhian nodded slightly: “Whatever Your Highness decides is fine.”

He looked up at the distant horizon, the clouds swirling under the rosy sky. Even Mu Zhian was captivated by such a magnificent sight.

“No wonder people always say Cloud Province is the closest place to the Heavenly Dao. So the ‘Firmament’ is so close to Cloud Province,” Mu Zhian sighed with emotion.

The Princess looked up, gazing into the distance, and suddenly said softly, “Actually, I don’t think the ‘Heaven’ Cloud Province is close to refers to the Heavenly Dao.”

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred, and he asked, “Why does Your Highness think so? Don’t most cultivators in Cloud Province believe in the Heavenly Dao?”

“It’s true that Cloud Province believes in the Heavenly Dao, but whether Cloud Province is closest to the Heavenly Dao isn’t necessarily true. Otherwise, the Heavenly Dao wouldn’t need to gradually erode Cloud Province all these years.”

The Princess gazed into Mu Zhian’s eyes and said softly, “I’ve always felt that the Heaven Cloud Province is close to isn’t the Heavenly Dao, but the Heavenly Court.”

These words stunned Mu Zhian. After a long while, he came back to his senses and said, “What does Your Highness mean by that?”

“When the Path to Immortality appeared in the past, I sensed the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy here,” the Princess revealed a long-kept secret, her gaze fixed on Mu Zhian’s eyes.

“So Your Highness sensed the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy within my body at that time… because you had sensed the same Spiritual Energy here?”

Mu Zhian was somewhat surprised. Logically, the Heavenly Court and the Nine Provinces shouldn’t be connected, yet the Princess had sensed Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy in Cloud Province…?

Could there be some connection between Cloud Province and the Heavenly Court?

The Princess didn’t speak, just continued gazing at Mu Zhian.

Since mentioning the Heavenly Court just now, the Princess had been staring at Mu Zhian, wanting to deduce something from his expression.

And seeing the confusion in Mu Zhian’s eyes, the Princess couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.

She had always thought Mu Zhian should have some connection to the Heavenly Court, hence deliberately bringing him here first, wanting to see his reaction.

However, it seemed he didn’t know about the Heavenly Court.

Wait a minute…

A thought suddenly flashed through the Princess’s mind.

She suddenly realized something she had subconsciously ignored.

Mu Zhian possessed the Innate Celestial Furnace, and the Spiritual Energy within the Innate Celestial Furnace originated from the Heavenly Court.

So the question was…

After the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy within Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace was depleted, how was it replenished?

He definitely knew something!

The Princess stared at Mu Zhian, her eyes flickering.

Just as the Princess was about to ask, a gust of wind suddenly blew, and the setting sun seemed to be blocked by a giant Kun Peng, its shadow casting down upon them.

The appearance of this figure also broke the pleasant atmosphere between the two.

The Princess’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, “Great Peng Emperor? What are you doing here?”

As the Princess spoke, the Kun Peng transformed into a human form, standing above the sea of clouds, his sharp gaze looking down at Mu Zhian: “Why are you in Cloud Province?”

“I brought him here,” the Princess answered in Mu Zhian’s stead.

The Great Peng Emperor frowned: “Why?”

“I made a deal with the Jade Empress. I’ll help her find the Cloud Smoke Willow, and she’ll give me Nirvana Silk in exchange,” the Princess’s voice was as gentle as usual, but her spiritual sense secretly protected Mu Zhian.

“Cloud Smoke Willow?”

The Great Peng Emperor raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly knowing the effects of this heavenly material and earthly treasure, “The Jade Empress already transcended, her wanting the Cloud Smoke Willow is suspicious enough. Although the Nirvana Silk of the Jade Pool Holy Land is indeed precious and rare, as the Princess, there’s no need for you to personally take him to find the Cloud Smoke Willow for it.”

The Princess’s displeasure was evident, and she said faintly, “As long as I like it, it’s enough. A dress made from Nirvana Silk is unparalleled. To me, its value is no less than the Cloud Smoke Willow.”

Hearing this, the Great Peng Emperor finally noticed that his beloved consort had changed into a different silver-white dress.

And beneath the dress, her voluptuous legs were covered in sheer white silk stockings, and she wore silver-white embroidered shoes on her feet, appearing incredibly beautiful under the setting sun’s glow.

“And also,” the Princess used voice transmission this time and said faintly, “This is a chance to reconcile with the Jade Empress. If I were you, I would treat Mu Zhian well, instead of being hostile towards him. Being enemies with the Jade Pool Holy Land and the Two Polarities Sect isn’t beneficial to Cloud Province.”

The Great Peng Emperor’s eyes flickered, and the hostility towards Mu Zhian in his heart gradually subsided, a thoughtful look appearing on his face.

As one of the rulers of Cloud Province, he naturally understood the Princess’s reasoning.

He was hostile towards Mu Zhian before because he saw his beloved consort with a little cultivator… And at the time, he didn’t know Mu Zhian’s identity, so naturally, he looked down on a mere little cultivator who had just reached Nascent Soul Realm.

And after finding out later, he still maintained his arrogant attitude, underestimating Mu Zhian’s position in the Jade Empress’s heart.

And the Jade Empress’s actions this time had already proven how much she valued this little man beside her.

Moreover, the Jade Empress seemed to have a good relationship with his beloved consort, giving her so much Nirvana Silk in exchange, and even having it made into such a beautiful dress and stockings for her… This was enough to show that the Jade Empress wasn’t hostile towards Cloud Province.

If that was the case, letting this matter go seemed like a good idea…

Thinking of this, the Great Peng Emperor shed his previous arrogance and hostility, a hearty smile appearing on his face, “I had a slight misunderstanding with Mu Zhian before. Since we’ve cleared it up today, let’s just let it go. This Seat will hold a banquet tonight to welcome you and your consort.”

The Princess’s eyes were gentle and calm, “In that case, let’s return to the palace first.”

As she spoke, her gaze lingered on Mu Zhian for a long time.

Where exactly did Mu Zhian’s Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy come from?

“Your Highness, is there anything else?” Mu Zhian hesitated.

The Princess smiled faintly: “Nothing.”

Now wasn’t the time for idle chatter. She could only try to contact him again after the banquet.

…

That evening, the Great Peng Emperor held a grand banquet, inviting all the ministers of Cloud Province to welcome Mu Zhian and the Princess.

Even the Princess, who had secretly advised the Great Peng Emperor earlier, was momentarily speechless by the Cloud Province ruler’s change in attitude, transmitting her voice, “I only told you not to offend him anymore, there’s no need for such a grand banquet.”

The Great Peng Emperor shook his head and said, “This isn’t just a banquet for Mu Zhian, it’s also been a long time since Cloud Province held a banquet. Consider it a reward for the ministers.”

The Princess frowned and transmitted her voice, “But you just targeted Mu Zhian earlier.”

“I targeted him before because of a misunderstanding between us. Since I plan to use this opportunity to reconcile, a banquet is the best method.”

The Great Peng Emperor replied calmly, raised his cup towards Mu Zhian, and downed it in one gulp.

Mu Zhian took a sip of wine, not saying a word.

Despite this ‘enthusiasm’, Mu Zhian knew in his heart that this Cloud Province ruler probably still held his arrogance, thinking his pressuring him earlier was justified.

Because in the Great Peng Emperor’s mind, Mu Zhian was just a little cultivator. For the dignified ruler of Cloud Province to lower himself and hold a banquet for a little cultivator was already giving him enough face.

After a long silence, the Princess silently raised her cup and gestured to the ministers below.

The ministers all raised their cups in response. Soon, dancers entered the hall and began their performance.

The dance was quite beautiful, making the banquet even more lively.

However, thinking of her earlier guess, the Princess was somewhat distracted. She held her wine cup and discreetly glanced at Mu Zhian, who was sitting below.

“You all continue, I’m going out for some air.”

As the banquet reached its peak, the Princess smiled brightly, then made an excuse, quietly stood up, and gracefully left the banquet hall.

Mu Zhian was admiring the graceful dance of the dancers in the hall when he suddenly noticed a note appearing on his table.

Mu Zhian discreetly glanced at the Great Peng Emperor at the main seat. The Cloud Province ruler was currently enjoying the dancers’ performance, drinking and chatting with his ministers, seemingly slightly tipsy.

As long as one didn’t deliberately dispel the alcohol, even Dao Integration Realm experts would get drunk from the wine in Cloud Province.

Mu Zhian slowly unfolded the note, and elegant handwriting appeared in his vision: “Would Young Master Mu please come to the side hall for a chat?”

Chapter 502: The Place Closest to ‘Heaven’ p1

“A method to greatly increase a woman’s charm?”

The Princess’s curiosity was successfully piqued by Mu Zhian. She looked at him suspiciously and asked, “What method?”

“Since Your Highness is close friends with Empress Luo Tan, you must have visited Yu State often and seen the stockings there, right…?” Mu Zhian asked.

“Of course, I’ve seen them, but what does that have to do with what you just said?”

As soon as the Princess finished speaking, noticing Mu Zhian’s gaze, she seemed to immediately understand his meaning, and a hint of anger appeared in her eyes, “Young Master Mu, what does stockings have to do with a woman’s charm? Are you teasing this Seat?”

Mu Zhian shook his head, “Nirvana Silk is different from other silks. Stockings made from it are not only smooth and soft, but also brightly colored and sheer… It’s an excellent material.”

“Especially after being made into stockings, its texture against the skin is even more wonderful…”

The more the Princess listened, the more she felt something was off. Logically, since it was stockings, Mu Zhian shouldn’t have had any contact with them, so how could he know so much?

“Although this Seat isn’t interested in the charm boost you mentioned, keeping the Nirvana Silk here is of no use to me. At most, I’ll have it made into a dress later…”

Despite her thoughts, the Princess still readily accepted Mu Zhian’s suggestion: “Alright, since you say you have other uses for the Nirvana Silk, I’ll leave it to you, how about it?”

She took out an exquisitely crafted jade box from her storage ring and handed it to Mu Zhian.

“Leave everything to me,” Mu Zhian said with a smile.

The Princess glanced at Mu Zhian a few times and continued, “You’re coming to Cloud Province with me this time. Remember not to stray too far from my side, otherwise, I might not be able to guarantee your safety.”

She paused, gave the Green Lotus Ring on Mu Zhian’s finger a meaningful look, and smiled faintly, “However, with the Jade Empress’s protection on you, there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

Mu Zhian took the jade box, then said demurely, “Regardless, I’ll still need Your Highness’s protection during this trip to Cloud Province… This Mu’s abilities are limited, I can only repay Your Highness in this way.”

Looking at the young man’s respectful demeanor, the Princess’s gaze softened slightly, “You’re the Jade Empress’s Dao Companion, there’s no need to be so formal with me.”

Mu Zhian was stunned for a moment, then smiled, “Then I’ll gladly accept your offer.”

After chatting with the Princess for a while, Mu Zhian excused himself, then immediately found the imperial tailor in the palace and asked him to make a pair of white silk stockings with the Nirvana Silk according to his specifications. The remaining Nirvana Silk was to be made into a silver-white dress.

…

Two days later, Mu Zhian came to the main hall of the imperial palace and handed the finished clothes to the Princess.

Opening the exquisite wooden box, the Princess’s eyes couldn’t help but light up.

The design of the dress was truly beautiful, and the stockings also looked excellent, exceeding her expectations.

Luo Tan toyed with a white Go piece in her hand. A gentle breeze blew her white dress backwards, faintly revealing a glimpse of fair skin between her snow-white boots and thighs.

Her eyes also held surprise as she murmured, “I never thought stockings made from Nirvana Silk would have such a wonderful effect…”

If I had known, I would have asked the Jade Empress for some earlier.

Just touching the thin yet opaque white silk stockings felt amazing, and they even emitted a faint, holy glow. Wearing them would indeed enhance one’s charm.

The Princess’s eyes held surprise and delight. She accepted Mu Zhian’s ‘gift’ and nodded, “You’re very thoughtful.”

“More than just thoughtful, I’ve known him for so long, and I’ve never seen him so attentive,” Luo Tan snorted softly, a hint of resentment in her voice.

She looked directly at Mu Zhian across the long table and winked playfully, as if saying: How do you plan to appease this older sister?

“If Your Majesty needs some, after I return to the Eastern Continent, I’ll ask the Jade Pool Holy Maiden for some and have someone make them into stockings for you,” Mu Zhian said sincerely.

“Forget it, if it’s not from the heart, I don’t want it.”

Luo Tan feigned a complaint, placed a white Go piece on the board, then glanced at the Princess opposite her.

The Princess held a black Go piece, her brows relaxed, a faint smile on her face, clearly in a good mood.

Seeing the woman pondering her next move, Luo Tan glanced at the young man standing beside her and said with a faint smile, “You can sit down, it must be tiring standing like that.”

Mu Zhian sat down beside Luo Tan, his gaze lingering on the Empress’s breathtakingly beautiful side profile for a moment.

As if sensing Mu Zhian’s gaze, Luo Tan turned slightly, looking at him with a smile in her eyes, as if saying: What are you looking at?

Mu Zhian immediately gave her an apologetic look.

Honestly, he hadn’t thought of preparing a pair of stockings for Luo Tan before… This time, it was just going with the flow, making them on a whim because the Princess asked for Nirvana Silk.

Luo Tan didn’t pay attention to Mu Zhian’s gaze. She rested her cheek on her hand, her full and perky bosom pressing gently against the table, waiting for the Princess’s next move.

Before Mu Zhian could figure out Luo Tan’s thoughts, he suddenly felt a warm and delicate hand gently touch the back of his hand, then move his hand away…

A strange feeling arose in Mu Zhian’s heart. He discreetly glanced at Luo Tan and transmitted his voice, “Your Majesty, you—”

Before he could finish speaking, his body suddenly stiffened slightly, and he subconsciously looked down at Luo Tan’s delicate hand.

The Pill Emperor of Yu State winked at Mu Zhian, then casually glanced at the Princess opposite her, her red lips parting slightly, isolating the possibility of the Princess eavesdropping, and transmitted her voice, “Don’t speak… You wouldn’t want the Princess to know you’re being bullied, would you?”

…

Nearly half an hour later, their game of Go ended.

Mu Zhian still hadn’t fully come back to his senses. He stood up somewhat absentmindedly and looked at Luo Tan, who was having someone clean up the Go board, with a strange expression.

He now had reason to suspect that Luo Tan might really play some little games with him during the morning court session one day…

“Did you hear what I said?”

Just then, the woman’s gentle and pleasant voice came from beside him, pulling Mu Zhian back to reality. He saw the Princess standing beside him at some unknown time.

“Please speak, Your Highness,” Mu Zhian said with his usual warm smile.

“Thank you for the dress and stockings… Just as you said, they are truly beautiful.”

The Princess lowered her eyelids slightly and said softly, “This is the first time I’ve received a gift from a man.”

“The Great Peng Emperor hasn’t given you gifts before?” Mu Zhian asked, somewhat surprised.

“The things he gives are mostly valuable antiques or heavenly materials and earthly treasures,” the Princess said softly.

But she couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Despite being with her for so long, the Great Peng Emperor didn’t understand her as well as this young cultivator she just met.

As a woman, who would like precious antiques, even if they were worth hundreds of thousands of spirit stones?

And as a Dao Integration Realm expert, heavenly materials and earthly treasures were useless to her. What use would they be even if he gave them to her?

But things like dresses and stockings… were practical things that could make a woman more charming.

“Sigh.”

Hearing this, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but sigh, “I think His Majesty the Great Peng Emperor is busy with official duties and probably doesn’t have much time to think about these insignificant things like I do.”

The Princess’s eyes flickered, but she didn’t say anything.

After a while, she said, “Go back and prepare. I’ll take you to Cloud Province today, so we can find the Cloud Smoke Willow early.”

Mu Zhian didn’t say anything more, just cupped his hands towards the Princess and left the main hall.

The more you say, the more mistakes you make. One should know when to stop, whether it’s pursuing a woman or scheming.

…

In the Nine Provinces, a legend had been circulating since ancient times: Cloud Province was the place closest to ‘Heaven’.

And another rumor circulated among cultivators: In Cloud Province, one could touch the clouds just by reaching out, hence the name Cloud Province.

And the ‘Heaven’ referred to here was the Heavenly Dao.

In the past, Mu Zhian wouldn’t have believed such rumors.

However, as the Princess tore open a spatial rift and brought Mu Zhian to Cloud Province, his previous doubts were completely shattered.

What appeared before his eyes was a sea of rolling clouds. The setting sun painted the clouds in dazzling shades of gold, and just by reaching out, Mu Zhian could touch the clouds.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

The Princess, wearing silver-white embroidered shoes, walked to Mu Zhian’s side and looked up at the boundless sea of clouds.

“This is the edge of Cloud Province. Beyond this is a void, which people usually call the Firmament.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered slightly, “The Firmament…? The place where the Luck collected during the Sabbath is ultimately transferred to?”

The Princess nodded slightly. She extended her hands, gently cupping a wisp of cloud and smoke, then blew gently, her gaze following the dissipating smoke, and said softly, “Whenever I finish handling troublesome government affairs, I come here alone to look at the edge of Cloud Province.”

“So I’m the second?” Mu Zhian asked, feigning surprise.

The Princess nodded gently: “I once thought about coming here with Luo Tan, but her identity is special, she can’t come here with me.”

Mu Zhian was silent.

The two were rulers of two major provinces. Bringing Luo Tan to such a place was indeed inappropriate.

 

Chapter 501: I Want to Invest in Mu Zhian Stock! 

“What condition?”

Hearing the Princess’s request, Yao Meng wasn’t surprised.

Or rather, if the Princess didn’t have any requests and was willing to take Mu Zhian to Cloud Province to find the Cloud Smoke Willow for no reason, that would have made her suspicious.

Luo Tan also glanced at her best friend discreetly, momentarily unable to understand the Princess of Cloud Province’s intentions.

“It’s said that the Jade Pool Holy Land produces some Nirvana Silk every few years. Clothes made from Nirvana Silk are thin but not transparent, and have a calming effect. I wonder if this Seat would have the opportunity to see some?”

The Princess’s voice was as gentle as usual, her beautiful eyes gazing intently at Yao Meng, as if she was truly interested in the Nirvana Silk.

“Just Nirvana Silk is enough?”

Yao Meng subconsciously lowered her voice, a hint of hesitation in her tone.

When the Princess spoke earlier, she had thought the Princess might want to gain some benefits through this, and Yao Meng was even prepared to give her these benefits… But she didn’t expect that the other party only wanted Nirvana Silk?

Although the output of Nirvana Silk was extremely small, the Jade Pool Holy Land had a deep foundation and had naturally saved some over the years.

“Could it be that the Jade Empress is planning to gift this Seat some other precious treasure?”

The Princess teased, her gentle eyes casually glancing at Mu Zhian, “But the truly precious treasure that the Jade Empress values, you probably wouldn’t be willing to exchange it, right?”

This sounded like she was saying: I want to invest in Mu Zhian stock, will you let me?

Yao Meng raised a delicate eyebrow, pulled the young man into her arms with a smile, and said softly, “That depends on what precious treasure the Princess is referring to.”

You two can bicker all you want, but please don’t drag me into this. I just want to peacefully enjoy the warmth of a bosom right now… Mu Zhian buried his face in Yao Meng’s embrace, smelling the delicate fragrance emanating from the fairy’s green dress, and complained silently.

The Princess discreetly glanced at the intimate pair, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.

Although she didn’t have those kinds of feelings for Mu Zhian, the Jade Empress holding Mu Zhian in her arms right in front of her, was she provoking her, declaring her ownership?

“I was just joking earlier. Just enough Nirvana Silk to make a dress is enough for this Seat. Does the Jade Empress have any objections to this condition?” the Princess asked.

“Naturally, I have no objections. Or rather, I’ll remember the Princess’s generosity this time,” Yao Meng said with a faint smile.

If an ordinary person heard this, they would probably be overjoyed.

Even Dao Integration Realm experts would find this deal worthwhile.

After all, a favor from a Transcendence Realm expert wasn’t something to be taken lightly; it would be of great use in the future.

But when the Princess saw Yao Meng take out a jade box from her storage ring and hand it to her, she just pouted and said faintly, “There’s no rush for the Nirvana Silk. You can give it to me after I take him to find the Cloud Smoke Willow.”

“It’s said that the Princess of Cloud Province never makes promises lightly, but once she does, she definitely keeps them. So I believe the Princess’s word is as good as gold,” Yao Meng smiled and handed the exquisite jade box to the Princess, “This Nirvana Silk is just part of it. Please accept it, Your Highness.”

The Princess nodded slowly and took the jade box.

She glanced at Yao Meng, then opened the jade box.

Crimson light burst forth from the jade box, and within the light, a phoenix wreathed in flames faintly appeared, a breathtaking sight.

“Since the deal is made, I won’t disturb you two any longer today.”

After Yao Meng finished speaking, she smiled and nodded at the two, then left the hall with Mu Zhian.

Luo Tan gazed at the two as they left the hall and asked in a low voice, “Why are you willing to help him?”

As she spoke, her gaze fixed on her best friend.

The Princess’s expression was calm, her face hidden behind the veil, a mysterious beauty.

“Helping him is also helping you, isn’t it?”

She turned slightly, looked at the Empress of Yu State beside her, and said with a smile, “Why, do you really think I would help a complete stranger, a little cultivator, for no reason?”

Luo Tan opened her red lips slightly, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

Although the Princess said that… Mu Zhian wasn’t an ordinary little cultivator.

Even the Princess, born connected to the Great Dao, couldn’t possibly ignore the ‘Innate Celestial Furnace’ constitution.

Perhaps even the Princess herself didn’t realize that the more indifferent she acted, the more she actually cared.

…

Returning to the guest room with Yao Meng, Mu Zhian casually closed the door.

Yao Meng sat on the soft couch with her legs crossed, her back to the window. Outside the window was a small courtyard, faintly visible with blooming flowers, accentuating her beautiful face and cool, immortal aura.

Her thin, green gauze dress seemed translucent in the morning light, her ample bosom proudly pushing against the fabric, just the right size.

“What kind of technique did you cast on my Green Lotus Ring? You probably sensed it when the Great Peng Emperor secretly pressured me today, right?” Mu Zhian asked in a low voice.

Yao Meng admired the scenery outside the window, then turned slightly, looked at him with a smile, and said, “The technique I left on the Green Lotus Ring hasn’t disappeared since the day I gave it to you.”

“After all, you died before me once… I don’t want to see it happen again.”

Mu Zhian sat down on the edge of the soft couch and asked suspiciously, “Since you knew about the Great Peng Emperor secretly pressuring me, then does that mean everything that happened here… you also know?”

He looked at her with a strange expression, wondering if the Jade Empress Sister had awakened some strange fetish…

After all, there was a fine line between liking to cuckold and liking to be cuckolded.

Perhaps, maybe… could it be that she had awakened some kind of hobby?

Yao Meng gave Mu Zhian a lazy, annoyed look and said, “I won’t interfere too much with your privacy. I said I didn’t spy on you, so naturally I wouldn’t… Is your trust in me that low?”

Mu Zhian was stunned: “But I didn’t say you were spying.”

“I’m saying, you don’t have any strange hobbies, do you?” Mu Zhian asked tentatively, his tone full of suspicion.

Yao Meng raised a delicate jade finger and gently poked his forehead, scolding, “Besides a few women with peculiar hobbies, who would be willing to offer their Dao Companion to other women?”

She paused, then naturally leaned against Mu Zhian, placing a hand on his chest, and said softly, “The Green Lotus Ring is a measure I left to protect your safety, I didn’t secretly spy… That’s the truth.”

Didn’t spy, then did you eavesdrop or something…? Mu Zhian opened his mouth slightly, wanting to ask.

But embracing the Jade Empress’s soft and voluptuous waist, smelling the delicate fragrance emanating from her body, was intoxicating.

Just then, Yao Meng broke free from Mu Zhian’s embrace, then knelt beside him like an obedient cat, resting her flawless, ice crystal-like face gently against his thigh.

Faintly feeling the woman’s sweet and warm breath, Mu Zhian’s heart couldn’t help but race.

Her long hair covered her perky buttocks, simply tied up with a jade hairpin.

“You’re not mad at me, are you?” She looked up from Mu Zhian’s thigh, her eyes gazing at him tenderly, a captivating moisture within.

Mu Zhian looked down at Yao Meng’s flawless side profile, finally unable to resist reaching out and gently stroking the Jade Empress’s waterfall-like hair.

“I trust you, you told me about the Green Lotus Ring’s abilities before,” Mu Zhian said while stroking her soft hair.

His gaze remained fixed on her face.

Under Mu Zhian’s gentle comfort, Yao Meng’s expression also softened. She leaned against the young man’s leg, enjoying his warmth.

“By the way, I’ll be going to the Northern Frontier tomorrow and bring back one of the ingredients you’ll need for the Nascent Soul Pill later,” Yao Meng suddenly said softly after a while.

She looked up, only to meet Mu Zhian’s burning gaze.

A shy glint flashed through Yao Meng’s eyes. She lowered her head slightly, a faint blush seemingly appearing on her face.

“What’s wrong? Why do you keep staring at me?” Yao Meng asked in a low voice.

This shy and gentle voice made his heart itch. Even Mu Zhian, a veteran who had seen countless shy expressions from women, couldn’t withstand it and couldn’t help but gently lift her snow-white chin with his finger.

“Nothing… Sit up and talk.”

Yao Meng obediently sat up, her blue and white dress now stained with dust, her tender white feet seemingly also dusted with dirt.

Mu Zhian gazed at her, and she gazed at him. As their eyes met, Yao Meng’s face slowly approached his, a look of gentle obedience on her face.

However, a playful smile was hidden in the depths of her eyes.

She wrapped her arms around Mu Zhian’s neck, leaned down slightly, and whispered in a sweet voice that could melt one’s heart:

“Do you like this feeling of dominating the Human Emperor, having her obediently kneel at your feet, my dear~?”

Boom!

These words were like the fuse igniting explosives, detonating in Mu Zhian’s heart.

He lowered his head, staring intently into Yao Meng’s eyes. At this moment, she seemed to instantly transform from the obedient and gentle little girl from before into a lofty Empress, looking down upon all beings.

Mu Zhian finally couldn’t resist any longer and lowered his head, capturing the woman’s alluring red lips.

…

The next morning.

When Mu Zhian woke up, Yao Meng was already gone.

“It seems Yao Meng has already gone to the Northern Frontier… Is she determined to help me comprehend the Dao Rhyme and reach Soul Transformation Realm this time?”

Mu Zhian looked at the slightly messy scene in the room, yawned lazily, then gently caressed the Green Lotus Ring on his finger.

Yao Meng only said she didn’t spy yesterday, but she didn’t say she didn’t eavesdrop…

The methods of a Transcendence Realm Human Emperor were heaven-defying. If she really wanted to eavesdrop, it would be incredibly easy.

But it didn’t matter, after all, it happened with her knowledge.

At most, Yao Meng just didn’t know about the Princess…

Mu Zhian changed his clothes, tidied his appearance before the bronze mirror, and successfully transformed back into the usual delicate and handsome young man.

Looking at the bronze mirror, he seemed to recall Yao Meng pressing against the mirror yesterday and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: “Sigh, how is Jade Empress Sister understanding me better and better? Where did she learn all this from?”

He rarely revealed his preferences before the Jade Empress before, afraid of being disdained…

However, every so often, Yao Meng would grasp one of Mu Zhian’s preferences, even teasing him with it…

If Mu Zhian was compared to an unexplored map, then the current Yao Meng had almost completely explored it.

After leaving the guest room, Mu Zhian turned into a streak of light and appeared at the Princess’s Morning Light Palace.

The mature and voluptuous Princess was admiring flowers in the small courtyard, her back to Mu Zhian, only showing a graceful figure.

Before Mu Zhian could speak, the Princess’s gentle and generous voice echoed through the courtyard: “Here so early? Are you that eager to go to Cloud Province?”

She turned slightly, looked at the young man behind her, first with confusion, then after staring at Mu Zhian for a few moments, her delicate brows furrowed slightly.

“Not entirely, I’m just curious about something, so I came to ask Your Highness for advice this morning,” Mu Zhian said with a smile.

“I know what you’re referring to.”

The Princess admired the plump peonies before her and said softly, “If I hadn’t proposed a condition before taking you to Cloud Province, with the Jade Empress’s personality, she would probably suspect I had ulterior motives towards you.”

“Nirvana Silk is indeed rare, even the Jade Pool Holy Land probably doesn’t have much left, but it’s not enough to tempt me. I just wanted to give the Jade Empress a reason, so she wouldn’t overthink things.”

Mu Zhian understood slightly.

The Princess proposing a condition yesterday was similar to his guess.

But besides that, there was still one thing he didn’t understand.

“Why are you willing to take me to Cloud Province? If the Great Peng Emperor sees, he might misunderstand even more, right?” Mu Zhian asked worriedly.

The Princess said calmly, “You’re the person Luo Tan chose. Since Luo Tan is so considerate of you, even willing to wait until the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill is refined before ‘enjoying’ you… I will naturally help you as well.”

She paused, seemingly realizing what kind of shameless thing she just said, and quickly changed the subject, “In short, partly because of Luo Tan, and partly… The Great Peng Emperor has caused you trouble twice before. Although it was directed at you, it was because of me.”

“Taking you to find the Cloud Smoke Willow, consider this an apology from Cloud Province.”

Hearing this, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but smile warmly, looking at the mature and beautiful married woman’s alluring figure, not saying a word.

“What are you smiling about?” The Princess’s delicate brows furrowed slightly.

“Nothing,” Mu Zhian shook his head and smiled. “If it’s for an apology, then what Your Highness did yesterday was more than enough. If I can’t obtain the Cloud Smoke Willow because of this, I have no regrets.”

Towards the end of his words, he gazed tenderly into the Princess’s eyes.

A flustered look flashed through the Princess’s eyes. Then, she quickly realized her gaffe, took a shallow breath, and exhaled slowly, “Don’t worry, this Seat won’t go back on my word. Since I promised you, I will definitely take you to Cloud Province.”

Mu Zhian cupped his hands respectfully: “Then thank you, Your Highness.”

“Right, I wonder what Your Highness plans to do with the Nirvana Silk you obtained yesterday?” Mu Zhian suddenly brought up an irrelevant topic.

A puzzled look flashed through the Princess’s eyes.

She simply wanted an excuse to prevent the Jade Empress from suspecting anything yesterday, but she hadn’t thought about how to use the Nirvana Silk specifically.

“Since Your Highness hasn’t thought about how to use the Nirvana Silk yet, how about I give you a suggestion?”

Mu Zhian paused, put on a mysterious smile, and said, “It’s a method that can greatly increase a woman’s charm.”

Chapter 500: The Beginning of Depravity

Mu Zhian lifted the woman’s veil, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful and charming face.

Her lips were full and alluring, her features picturesque, without a hint of the majesty of a Dao Integration Realm expert, but rather the sexy allure of a mature woman.

As expected, she’s among the top three most beautiful women I’ve ever met, with Jade Empress Sister ranking first… But Jade Empress Sister’s Dao of Tranquility naturally makes people feel a sense of closeness, a special buff, while this Princess relies solely on her figure and beauty.

With such a beautiful woman, it’s no wonder the Great Peng Emperor is so infatuated with her…

Mu Zhian sighed inwardly.

“How long does Young Master Mu intend to hold my hand?”

Just then, the Princess spoke faintly, her eyes fixed on Mu Zhian.

This little cultivator was too bold. Who would dare hold her hand like this?

Even setting aside her identity as the Great Peng Emperor’s fiancée, she herself was at the Dao Integration Realm… Mu Zhian acting so intimately with her, did he have the confidence to escape her pursuit?

Mu Zhian came back to his senses, quickly released her hand, and said respectfully, “Apologies… I was momentarily lost in thought.”

The Princess’s beautiful eyes glanced at the young man lazily, but she didn’t scold him.

“Speaking of which, if a stalk of Immortal Medicine can be refined into an immortal-grade pill, can it really lead to Transcendence?” Mu Zhian casually changed the subject.

He couldn’t be too hasty and had to know when to stop. After all, this woman before him was the Great Peng Emperor’s fiancée. Even if there was nothing between them, they were still connected.

With this connection, plus his lack of interaction with the Princess, he couldn’t push too hard, as it would easily arouse the woman’s wariness and disgust.

The Princess didn’t know what Mu Zhian was thinking. She simply shook her head gently and replied, “There has never been an immortal-grade pill in the Nine Provinces, so I don’t know either.”

She paused slightly, glanced at Mu Zhian, and continued, “However, the Spiritual Energy of Immortal Medicine is very similar to Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy. If an immortal-grade pill can be refined, perhaps it really could be used to achieve Transcendence with its vast Spiritual Energy.”

“Your Innate Celestial Furnace seems to be more than one realm higher than your own cauldron… Perhaps, using your Innate Celestial Furnace as a medium, there might be a possibility of Transcendence. You mustn’t reveal the secret of your Innate Celestial Furnace before you have the ability to protect yourself,” the Princess reminded him.

Mu Zhian was slightly touched, “Is Your Highness concerned about my safety?”

The Princess rolled her eyes at him and said faintly, “You’re Luo Tan’s person, after all. If something happens to you, she would probably be sad.”

“So it’s for Her Majesty’s sake?”

Mu Zhian smiled helplessly, “I thought Your Highness was simply concerned about me.”

“You and I are not related, your matters naturally have nothing to do with me,” the Princess said calmly.

As she spoke, seemingly recalling Mu Zhian’s earlier intimate gestures, a shy glint flickered in her eyes. She put on her veil again, her red lips parting slightly, “I plan to go to Daochu Palace and see the results of their discussion. Do you want to come with me?”

Mu Zhian smiled faintly: “Then I’ll gladly accompany you.”

…

Daochu Palace.

“So, the Pill Emperor still decided not to lend the cauldron?”

Within the palace, the Great Peng Emperor toyed with the teacup in his hand, his expression not very pleasant.

Luo Tan sat with dignified and elegant posture and said with a smile, “Immortal-grade pills, even with the Myriad Transformations Qi Cauldron, are impossible to refine. Even I’m not confident. Lending you the cauldron would be useless.”

“And, Great Peng Emperor, ask yourself, if I were the one borrowing the cauldron today, and didn’t tell you how I planned to refine the immortal-grade pill, would you be at ease lending it to me?”

The Great Peng Emperor’s expression flickered, then he quickly put on a warm smile, “The Pill Emperor is right, I was being presumptuous earlier.”

He changed the subject, “You’re the only one in this world who can possibly refine immortal-grade pills. Even if I borrow the cauldron, it would be useless… Then, if I were to ask the Pill Emperor to refine the Immortal Medicine for me, would you be interested?”

“Of course, as repayment, Cloud Province can accept any request from the Pill Emperor.”

Luo Tan raised a delicate eyebrow and said with a faint smile, “Immortal-grade pills are different from mortal pills. The refining difficulty is dozens of times higher than ninth-grade pills. Even I’m not very confident now. Is the Great Peng Emperor at ease entrusting the Immortal Medicine you painstakingly obtained to me for refinement?”

The Great Peng Emperor fell silent.

Indeed, there was only this one stalk of Immortal Medicine. Even he had spent great effort and tens of thousands of years to find it… If Luo Tan failed in refining it, the Immortal Medicine would be completely gone.

“Therefore, this matter can’t be rushed. I’ll try after I’m more confident. After all, it’s Immortal Medicine, it’s worth refining.”

Hearing this, the Great Peng Emperor naturally couldn’t say anything more.

Luo Tan’s passion for alchemy was known throughout the Nine Provinces. If there was a chance to try refining immortal-grade pills, she wouldn’t miss it.

After all, this was also one of the keys to her becoming an immortal-grade alchemist.

However—

“Since the Pill Emperor is willing to help me refine the Immortal Medicine, what should I offer in exchange?” the Great Peng Emperor asked.

Luo Tan said with a faint smile, “Let’s discuss the conditions after I’m more confident.”

She paused, then said again in a soft and calm voice, “But I need to give you a piece of advice.”

“Mu Zhian is an irreplaceable friend of mine. This is the first, and also the last, warning.”

The Great Peng Emperor was stunned: “You’re actually warning me for a little cultivator you just met not long ago…?”

He was somewhat astonished, even finding it unbelievable.

Cloud Province and Yu State had cooperated for so long, could it be that it couldn’t compare to an Eastern Continent cultivator she just met?

“I’m also considering Cloud Province’s best interests. Even if you don’t care about offending Mu Zhian, you should also consider the Princess and the entire Cloud Province. If you truly provoke him, it won’t be good for you, or for Cloud Province,” Luo Tan said faintly.

The Great Peng Emperor laughed heartily as if hearing a huge joke, “Does the Pill Emperor mean that a cultivator who just recently reached Nascent Soul Realm can threaten me, even Cloud Province? Or does the Pill Emperor think the Jade Empress would offend Cloud Province for a little cultivator?”

This noble and elegant Empress glanced at the Great Peng Emperor coldly, “The Jade Empress values him far more than you imagine.”

The Great Peng Emperor frowned: “Even if it’s as you say, this Seat never truly intended to harm him. I just wanted him to stay away from my beloved consort.”

Luo Tan was momentarily speechless.

You haven’t been able to get close to your own beloved consort in ten thousand years in Cloud Province, yet you think a little cultivator who just entered the cultivation world can get close to her? How little confidence do you have in yourself?

“In the past ten thousand years, the Great Peng Emperor has tried everything, openly and secretly, to pursue the Princess, but she rejected you every time… Do you really think she can be won over by Mu Zhian?” Luo Tan still couldn’t help asking.

The Great Peng Emperor said coldly, “I naturally trust my beloved consort, but even so, I have to make my stance clear, lest any Tom, Dick, or Harry tries to approach my beloved consort in the future.”

“As for the Jade Empress, there’s no need for the Pill Emperor to worry, this Seat knows my limits.”

Luo Tan waved her hand slightly, indicating she was tired: “If there’s nothing else, please leave.”

The Great Peng Emperor nodded: “Alright, there are still matters in Cloud Province, I won’t disturb the Pill Emperor any longer today.”

After saying that, he stood up, intending to leave.

Just then, the Great Peng Emperor vaguely sensed a terrifying aura quietly condensing in the hall.

He abruptly stopped, subconsciously turning his head to look, just in time to see a green figure quietly condensing in mid-air.

“The Jade Empress?!” the Great Peng Emperor almost blurted out.

Almost at that instant, silence fell upon the hall.

“Besides having a longer lifespan than ordinary cultivators, you really haven’t improved at all in other aspects.”

In this silence, a heavenly voice echoed through the hall.

Almost at that instant, a terrifying pressure seemed to crush the entire hall.

The faint sound of formations shattering could be heard.

The Great Peng Emperor’s body stiffened slightly, his cauldron seemingly about to collapse at that moment. He almost involuntarily knelt on the ground.

He spread a pair of enormous wings behind him, his face furious: “Jade Empress, I have no quarrel with you, are you planning to declare war on Cloud Province?!”

He activated his Spiritual Energy, barely resisting the terrifying pressure.

This pressure was too powerful, as if the entire sky was slowly descending, making it difficult to resist.

At some unknown time, the woman in the green dress sat lazily on the World-Purifying Green Lotus, looking down at the great power in the hall, and said faintly, “The Great Peng Emperor can use his power to pressure others, why can’t this Seat?”

The Great Peng Emperor was slightly stunned, then his expression changed slightly.

This woman clearly already knew about him attacking Mu Zhian today…

But how did she know? Wasn’t she not in Yu State?

“He made a move on this Seat’s beloved consort first. Otherwise, I have no grudge against him, why would I attack him for no reason?” the Great Peng Emperor said forcefully.

This fairy, as elegant and pure as a lotus, her bright green eyes gazing calmly, said softly, “Whether he was intimate with your beloved consort or not, don’t you know in your heart?”

The Princess of Cloud Province was the Daughter of the Great Dao, her status incredibly noble. Why would she be intimate with a little cultivator for no reason? The Great Peng Emperor naturally knew this in his heart. He knew he was at a disadvantage in this matter, but he couldn’t lose face now, so he could only endure this woman’s terrifying pressure.

The formations beneath his feet crumbled bit by bit, and the Great Peng Emperor’s expression turned increasingly ugly.

He had underestimated the Transcendence Realm. Although Transcendence Realm was another form of Dao Integration, the strength of a great power unrestricted by the heavenly rules was truly unfathomable.

Just then, an alluring herbal fragrance faintly spread through the hall. Then, Luo Tan took half a step forward and said in her elegant and gentle voice, “This is the imperial palace, after all. If you two have a personal grudge, please settle it outside the palace.”

As Luo Tan’s voice fell, Yao Meng’s pressure seemed to lessen slightly.

Yao Meng looked at Luo Tan, then said with a smile, “Since that’s the case, I’ll give the Pill Emperor face.”

She restrained her Spiritual Energy, and the suffocating feeling in the hall quietly subsided.

At this moment, the Great Peng Emperor finally sighed inwardly with relief, then took a deep look at this most beautiful woman in the Nine Provinces, dressed in a green dress, and snorted coldly, “Since the Jade Empress has business with the Pill Emperor, then I won’t disturb you two.”

After saying that, he turned into a golden light and vanished from the hall.

The World-Purifying Green Lotus behind Yao Meng quietly disappeared, and she gracefully walked down from mid-air.

Luo Tan looked at Yao Meng with a playful gaze.

“Does the Pill Emperor have something to say?” Yao Meng asked.

Luo Tan shook her head: “Nothing, I was just wondering why you were so at ease leaving Mu Zhian in Yu State… It seems you left some technique on him in advance. Once he’s attacked, you can immediately sense it?”

“After all, he died for me once, I have to leave some measures behind when I leave.”

Yao Meng smiled faintly and added seriously, “However, even I don’t like prying into other people’s privacy, so I only left a technique to protect him, I haven’t been spying on his life here.”

Luo Tan said with a faint smile, “The Jade Empress is truly considerate of Young Friend Mu.”

She changed the subject and continued asking, “You’ve already found the medicinal herbs from the Southern Wilderness… But the Cloud Smoke Willow from Cloud Province, after attacking and pressuring the Great Peng Emperor today, how do you plan to obtain it?”

“I’ll personally go there,” Yao Meng said calmly.

“Do you know where the Cloud Smoke Willow grows, and how to obtain it?” Luo Tan asked.

The Cloud Smoke Willow was a very special medicinal herb. Just as its name suggested, it was ethereal like cloud and smoke, shaped like willow leaves, hence its name.

Although it wasn’t Emperor Medicine, it was extremely difficult to obtain, even a Transcendence Realm Human Emperor couldn’t find it in a short time.

After all, Cloud Province was strengthened by formations. Other great powers’ spiritual senses couldn’t directly scan the entire province.

“If it comes to it, I’ll just have my spiritual sense descend upon Cloud Province and leave after finding the Cloud Smoke Willow,” Yao Meng said faintly.

Luo Tan raised a delicate eyebrow. This fairy was usually very kind and approachable… But when it came to Mu Zhian, she seemed much more assertive.

In the Nine Provinces, no place would allow another great power to enter and scan their entire province with their spiritual sense. This was a great humiliation, which might even alarm those ancient beings sealed in the forbidden lands and cause chaos.

“Does the Pill Emperor have a better idea?”

Yao Meng’s smiling voice sounded as she looked at the Empress before her.

Luo Tan’s red lips parted slightly, “The Great Peng Emperor needs something from me. If I ask, he won’t refuse.”

“No.”

Yao Meng shook her head decisively, “Refining an immortal-grade pill is a huge favor. Using it just to exchange for the Cloud Smoke Willow is too wasteful.”

If Luo Tan was willing, she could even obtain unimaginable benefits from Cloud Province.

Using it to exchange for the Cloud Smoke Willow was indeed too extravagant.

“Actually, we’ve both overlooked someone… If she’s willing, she can also take Mu Zhian to find the Cloud Smoke Willow,” Luo Tan suddenly said.

“You mean the Princess?”

Yao Meng chuckled softly, “You know about what happened between her and me. Anyone might help find the Cloud Smoke Willow, but she definitely won’t.”

It was precisely because of this that when she learned the Great Peng Emperor actually suspected Mu Zhian of having an affair with his beloved consort today, Yao Meng felt he was deliberately provoking trouble.

The Princess disliked the Jade Empress and naturally also disliked her Dao Companion. How could there be any secret interactions between them?

Luo Tan was momentarily silent.

Honestly, although she had been intentionally ‘matching’ Mu Zhian and the Princess these past two days, hoping they could develop some sort of relationship, the Princess hadn’t paid much attention to Mu Zhian at all.

Logically, after learning the secret of Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace, even if she didn’t befriend him, she shouldn’t have been so cold towards him.

Yet the Princess was quite cold towards him, even deliberately keeping her distance.

Silence fell upon the hall, both of them remaining quiet.

“The Jade Empress is truly as blindly confident as ever.”

Just then, the Princess’s gentle and seductive voice suddenly echoed through the silent hall: “Are you so sure this Seat will refuse?”

The woman’s appearance stunned both Yao Meng and Luo Tan in the hall.

“Princess?” Yao Meng casually narrowed her eyes, momentarily unable to understand this woman’s intentions.

The Princess toyed with a strand of hair, tilted her head slightly, glanced at the young man behind her, and said with a smile, “I can take him to Cloud Province, and I can also help him obtain the Cloud Smoke Willow.”

“However, I have a condition.”

Chapter 499: Princess, You’re So Kind to Me~ p2

Secretly being intimate with the Jade Empress’s Dao Companion wasn’t a big deal, but she should at least know how to be discreet… Sneaking cake also required knowing how to wipe one’s mouth. Mu Zhian had been in Luo Tan’s bedchamber almost every night these past few days. Although she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she didn’t believe they were just innocently chatting and playing Go.

“Don’t worry, I know my limits. Besides, the Jade Empress went to the Southern Wilderness for the ingredients of the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill. I’ll be the one refining that pill for her later,” Luo Tan chuckled softly. Seeing the maid entering the courtyard, she asked, “Has Mu Zhian arrived?”

The maid nodded slightly: “Your Majesty, should I invite Young Master Mu in?”

“Let him in, I just happen to have something to discuss with him,” Luo Tan said.

Seeing this, the Princess put down her Go piece, intending to leave the courtyard.

“If you don’t mind, you can stay. At least finish our game of Go first,” Luo Tan said with a smile.

“After all, you’ll be returning in a day or two, right?”

The rulers of Cloud Province were the Princess and the Great Peng Emperor. Although there were methods like using clones, if there were any emergencies, it was still more convenient to have the main body present.

“You and Mu Zhian might have something to discuss, wouldn’t I be a third wheel here?” The Princess rolled her eyes at Luo Tan.

As expected of a beauty, even such a gesture was incredibly alluring.

“I don’t mind, and I think he wouldn’t mind either.”

Luo Tan looked up at the young man entering the courtyard and said with a smile, “Right, Mu Zhian?”

“This is Yu State, after all. If Your Majesty doesn’t mind, how could I possibly mind?”

Mu Zhian entered the courtyard with the maid, a bright smile on his face, “Besides, Your Majesty trusts Her Highness so much, naturally I also trust her.”

A shy glint appeared in the Princess’s gentle eyes, but her voice remained soft and calm: “I am a cultivator from Cloud Province, after all. The Jade Empress has always been at odds with Cloud Province. Aren’t you worried she’ll be angry if she finds out?”

Mu Zhian arrived at the pavilion and, at Luo Tan’s gesture, sat down opposite her, and said with a smile, “It’s fine, the Jade Empress can distinguish right from wrong. Even if she knows what I said today, she won’t be angry, maybe she’ll even be happy.”

The Princess glanced at Mu Zhian, but didn’t say anything this time.

She wanted to say, If your Jade Empress Sister knew we were intimate in the palace one night, she probably wouldn’t be happy, right?

But considering Luo Tan was also here, and due to her own shyness, she ultimately held back.

The three chatted idly under the pavilion. Mu Zhian sat calmly, watching the two play Go, occasionally pointing and commenting, earning him an exasperated eye-roll from the Princess.

Just then, a certain part of the space in the courtyard suddenly distorted.

Luo Tan didn’t even look up and said with a faint smile, “It seems you understand the Great Peng Emperor quite well, even though you’re not truly husband and wife.”

A man’s large figure could be vaguely seen descending from the distorted space.

The Princess held a black Go piece, her voice lazy, “Obtaining a stalk of Immortal Medicine, any cultivator would try to refine it into an immortal-grade pill, let alone the Great Peng Emperor, who has been pursuing Transcendence his entire life.”

Accompanied by a man’s hearty laughter, a man in black and gold battle armor walked out from the spatial rift and said, “What a coincidence, I didn’t expect my beloved consort and the Pill Emperor to both be here today.”

The Great Peng Emperor walked into the quiet courtyard, his gaze sweeping over Luo Tan and his beloved consort. Then, his gaze suddenly froze on Mu Zhian, his brows furrowing slightly.

Why is this little cultivator here too…?

Despite his thoughts, he had important matters to attend to today and didn’t have the time to deal with Mu Zhian. He looked at Luo Tan and said, “Pill Emperor, could we speak privately?”

Luo Tan and the Princess exchanged a discreet glance, everything seemingly understood without words.

It seemed the Great Peng Emperor’s visit today was indeed about the Myriad Transformations Qi Cauldron.

“Then please follow the attendant to Daochu Palace to discuss this matter, Great Peng Emperor.”

Luo Tan smiled slightly at the Princess: “We’ll finish our game of Go after you return.”

After saying that, she took a step in her snow-white boots and vanished from the courtyard.

The Great Peng Emperor nodded, “My beloved consort, after I return, let’s go back to Cloud Province together today.”

The Princess smiled gently, “I want to stay for two more days. You don’t need to wait for me, just go back first.”

The Great Peng Emperor couldn’t help but frown. This fiancée of his not giving him face in front of outsiders naturally displeased him.

“Alright, but be careful, my beloved consort, don’t be deceived by certain people.”

He snorted coldly, his sharp gaze sweeping over Mu Zhian condescendingly, as if looking at an ant.

Only after this glance did the Great Peng Emperor turn and leave the courtyard with the attendant and Luo Tan to discuss business.

However, this casual glance from the Great Peng Emperor was like a tsunami, as if wanting to crush one’s spiritual sense.

He wasn’t worried about Mu Zhian complaining to the Jade Empress afterward.

If he had to complain to the Jade Empress about such a small matter and ask her to intervene, what would the Jade Empress think of her Dao Companion?

And, was there any evidence proving he had attacked Mu Zhian today?

There were no witnesses.

He just wanted to give this little cultivator a warning and a lesson.

Mu Zhian raised his eyelids slightly, his eyes deep and calm, not resisting at all, but letting the pressure wash over him.

Boom…

The casual glance from the Dao Integration Realm expert made Mu Zhian’s body tremble slightly, as if his spiritual platform almost collapsed.

He subconsciously grabbed the Princess’s arm. The woman’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, about to scold him.

But seeing Mu Zhian’s pale face, she immediately realized something, her expression changing slightly. She raised her hand and cast a barrier, isolating everything from the outside world.

The mature and sexy beauty sat under the pavilion, her eyes gentle, her temperament exuding the charm of a married woman. However, at this moment, anger was hidden deep within her eyes.

The Great Peng Emperor actually dared to pressure Mu Zhian in front of her, was he completely disregarding her?

“Why didn’t you tell me just now?” the Princess asked.

Mu Zhian raised his eyelids slightly, glanced at the stunning beauty, and forced a smile, “I’m fine… It’s my fault. I should have left when I saw the Great Peng Emperor earlier, I shouldn’t have been so close to you, causing the Great Peng Emperor to misunderstand.”

The Princess’s eyes flickered. Although this young man occasionally acted impulsively, at least he knew how to consider the bigger picture and the feelings of others, not acting spoiled and arrogant just because he had the Jade Empress’s favor. This alone was far better than his peers.

Usually, having a Transcendence Realm Dao Companion, even if one wasn’t arrogant, they would inevitably be somewhat haughty.

But Mu Zhian didn’t show any such arrogance, instead always considering others.

“You’re good in every way, except you’re too kind. You were threatened by the Great Peng Emperor like that, yet you’re still speaking up for him?”

“Not to mention what the Jade Empress would do if she found out, you’re also under this Seat’s protection. He didn’t even consider my feelings.”

The Princess frowned slightly, feeling that Mu Zhian’s personality was a bit too gentle.

Mu Zhian smiled helplessly, “The Great Peng Emperor has many responsibilities, it’s natural for him to be a bit irritable. It’s understandable for him to make a move on a junior. And if Your Highness has a conflict with the Great Peng Emperor because of me, I would feel guilty.”

“For the sake of Cloud Province, please don’t blame him.”

It wasn’t submitting to the Great Peng Emperor, but considering Cloud Province, considering her.

Hearing this, the Princess couldn’t help but be slightly moved, her tone softening considerably, “Next time, don’t shoulder this kind of thing alone, at least let me know.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, looking up at the Princess’s face.

“…What’s wrong?” Seemingly uncomfortable being stared at, the Princess subconsciously looked away.

“Nothing, I just feel that Princess is so kind to me,” Mu Zhian said with a gentle smile, subconsciously holding the mature and beautiful married woman’s soft small hand.

A blush appeared on the Princess’s beautiful face beneath her veil, her eyes first dazed, then quickly regaining focus. She instinctively pulled her hand away.

“Please behave yourself, Young Master Mu!”

Mu Zhian was stunned and said with a helpless smile, “Sorry, I was being disrespectful just now. Your Highness protected me earlier, and being by Your Highness’s side makes me feel very safe, so I accidentally…”

He paused, held the Princess’s delicate jade-like hand, and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

This time, the Princess, unusually, didn’t scold him.

The Great Peng Emperor was, after all, her fiancé. Since it was her fiancé’s fault, her comforting Mu Zhian… seemed acceptable.

“What’s wrong? Staring at someone’s face is very impolite.”

Just then, the Princess suddenly felt a burning gaze on her and couldn’t help but ask in a low voice.

Mu Zhian gazed at the Princess, shook his head, and said with a smile, “It’s nothing, I’m just a bit curious about how beautiful Your Highness truly is. It would be a pity if I still haven’t seen Your Highness’s face after this trip to Cloud Province.”

He looked up at the Princess: “Could you let me lift your veil and take a look?”

The Princess didn’t say anything.

After a moment of silence, Mu Zhian raised a hand and reached towards the Princess’s beautiful face.

Then, he gently lifted her veil.

Chapter 499: Princess, You’re So Kind to Me~ p1

That night, the moon was bright and the stars sparse.

The dignified and mature Princess opened her eyes, as if sensing something, and left her room, lifting her skirt.

“Your Highness, do you have any instructions?” The sweet and respectful voice of her personal maid, who had accompanied her on this trip, came from the doorway.

The Princess slightly raised her chin, an unusual glint in her gentle eyes beneath the veil, and said, “That direction is Luo Tan’s bedchamber, right?”

The maid looked up and said, “Yes, Her Majesty the Pill Emperor usually rests in that bedchamber.”

“Did Your Highness notice something?” the maid continued to ask.

The Princess blinked her beautiful eyes, gazing in that direction. After a while, she gently exhaled.

At this moment, above Luo Tan’s bedchamber, faint phantoms of fox tails could be seen, seductive and alluring.

And within those fox tails, besides Demonic Qi, there was also a sacred Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy.

However, most cultivators couldn’t sense what was happening in Luo Tan’s palace at this moment, not even the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox’s aura, let alone the Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy.

But the Princess was innately connected to the Great Dao, meaning her perception was astonishing. In other words, her ability to catch someone cheating was maxed out.

As long as Mu Zhian was still within the imperial palace, she could sense even the slightest leakage of Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy from him.

Moreover, his Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy was rapidly dissipating at this moment…

“She’s really impatient,” the Princess raised a delicate eyebrow and murmured to herself.

The Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill hadn’t even been refined yet. Luo Tan devouring that ‘cake’ so quickly wouldn’t affect her, but it would have quite an impact on Mu Zhian.

Luo Tan possessed the Innate Celestial Furnace, and so did Mu Zhian. If the two performed the ritual of exchanging Spiritual Energy, Mu Zhian would likely comprehend the Dao Rhyme immediately afterward.

A normal Innate Celestial Furnace naturally couldn’t have such an exaggerated supplementary effect, but Luo Tan was at Dao Integration Realm, and also possessed the Pill Immortal Physique, innately favored by heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

The benefits of dual cultivating with her were tempting even to Dao Integration Realm experts of the same realm.

And if a cultivator of lower realm than Luo Tan were fortunate enough to receive her favor… it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they would be completely reborn.

Usually, the moment after Mu Zhian comprehended the Dao Rhyme was when his chances of reaching Soul Transformation were highest.

In other words, if he could wait until the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill was refined before performing the Spiritual Energy exchange ritual with Luo Tan… Mu Zhian’s success rate of reaching Soul Transformation could be increased by another ten to twenty percent.

It was no wonder the Princess thought Luo Tan was being impatient.

“What does Your Highness mean?” the personal maid asked softly.

“Nothing, you may withdraw. I want to take a walk alone,” the Princess said.

The night wind, carrying a slight chill, blew against her dress, outlining her alluring, sexy, and voluptuous curves.

The Princess strolled through the imperial garden, and in a daze, she found herself before a palace.

Last night, in this very bedchamber, she was… by that little cultivator who had just recently reached Nascent Soul Realm.

However, that was purely a misunderstanding caused by her disguising herself as Luo Tan.

Now that the misunderstanding was cleared, the person with Mu Zhian was Luo Tan.

Thinking of this, recalling the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy she felt earlier and the young man’s gentle kiss… the Princess’s heart filled with complex emotions.

“Her Majesty has ordered that no one is allowed to enter tonight. Please return, Your Highness.”

Just as she was about to enter the bedchamber, a guard’s respectful voice came from the doorway, stopping the Princess.

The Princess raised a delicate eyebrow: “Didn’t she tell you that I don’t need to be stopped no matter where I go?”

The guard showed a troubled expression and said, “Her Majesty did say that, but she also said no one is allowed to enter tonight…”

The Princess nodded, “Alright, then I won’t disturb her tonight…”

She paused, then continued, “Just pretend I wasn’t here tonight, understand?”

Although her eyes were still gentle, her words carried an undeniable authority.

The guard’s heart trembled, and he said, “Yes.”

The Princess turned and left the bedchamber.

Then, the next moment, her figure vanished from the guard’s sight like a ghost.

Soon, the woman appeared inside the bedchamber.

The Princess was a gentle woman and wouldn’t make things difficult for a guard, after all, he had his difficulties.

But there was nowhere she couldn’t go if she wanted to.

The bedchamber was quiet, without a sound.

Usually, at this time, there would be servants attending to her, but tonight, not a single figure could be seen.

Just then, the Princess faintly heard a sweet and seductive voice. She followed the sound, concealing her aura, and gracefully approached the bedchamber door.

For some reason, although she wasn’t the one involved, the Princess’s heart couldn’t help but race.

She subconsciously held her breath and peeked through the crack in the door.

“Your Majesty, according to what you said earlier, third to fourth-grade pills, as long as one’s mental focus is sufficient, even alchemists close to the third grade can refine them?” Mu Zhian’s voice came from inside the room.

Not seeing the scene she imagined, the Princess couldn’t help but be stunned.

Because at this moment, Mu Zhian was sitting at a square table, holding an alchemy manual, asking Luo Tan for guidance.

And the Empress sat opposite Mu Zhian, patiently teaching him.

They weren’t… but simply discussing alchemy?

But if that was the case, what was with the dense Spiritual Energy above the bedchamber earlier…?

At this moment, countless question marks seemed to pop up above the Princess’s head, her charming face beneath the veil filled with disbelief.

The Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy was clearly filling the entire bedchamber, and faint phantoms of nine fox tails could be seen within the room, as if endless charm was emanating.

But they didn’t seem to be engaging in any intimate acts…

What was going on?

The Princess looked at the harmonious scene in the room, her eyes flickering slightly, momentarily dazed.

Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy filled the air… This Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy was countless times denser than that in the Minor Rejuvenation Pill Mu Zhian refined.

If she could completely absorb this Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy, perhaps she could truly touch the threshold of the Transcendence Realm… This absurd thought couldn’t help but arise in the Princess’s mind.

Just then, Luo Tan inside the room seemed to sense the presence outside, her hair cascading lazily down, and casually looked up.

Their gazes met, and a hint of surprise appeared in Luo Tan’s eyes. Then, she smiled and said, “Why didn’t you have someone announce your arrival? My discussion with him is almost over, come in if you have something to say.”

The Princess collected her thoughts and said in her gentle and pleasant voice, “Since Young Master Mu is here tonight, I’ll come back tomorrow. I originally came to see you tonight just to play a game of Go with you.”

“Alright, then I’ll come find you tomorrow,” Luo Tan smiled faintly.

After giving Mu Zhian one last look, the Princess turned and left the bedchamber, the confusion in her heart finally dissipating.

She came to the bedchamber tonight simply wanting to know if her close friend was planning to be intimate with Mu Zhian, this Innate Celestial Furnace… But the scene inside the room proved she was just overthinking.

However, if the Princess had fully opened the bedchamber door, she would have seen a completely different scene.

For example, the Pill Emperor, sitting opposite Mu Zhian, one of her snow-white jade boots casually resting on Mu Zhian’s leg under the table.

Even Mu Zhian, who had experienced countless storms, was almost shocked by Luo Tan’s move. He wasn’t silent just now because he didn’t want to speak, but because he was busy signaling Luo Tan with his eyes.

However, Luo Tan simply rested her cheek on her hand, gazing at Mu Zhian with charming eyes, while elegantly and calmly explaining the key points of alchemy, her boot rubbing against his leg. At the same time, she was also casually chatting with her best friend… even planning to invite her in for a game of Go.

Only at this moment did Mu Zhian understand why Dao Integration Realm experts were Dao Integration Realm experts… This mentality wasn’t something ordinary people could possess.

…

“Aren’t you worried she’ll really come in?”

After the sound of footsteps gradually faded away, Mu Zhian looked at Luo Tan, who was sitting opposite him, and said helplessly.

“I’m not worried, what are you worried about?”

Luo Tan smiled brightly, toying with a strand of hair, and said calmly, “Besides, nothing happened between you and me tonight… Even if she came in, she wouldn’t say anything.”

Of course nothing happened to you if she came in, but if she came in and saw you stepping on the Lord of the Heavenly Court… wouldn’t I die of embarrassment on the spot?

But thankfully, everything turned out fine.

“The Princess probably won’t come again. Aren’t you planning to stay a while longer?”

Luo Tan looked at Mu Zhian, who had stood up and was about to leave, and couldn’t help asking softly.

“According to what you said earlier, waiting until the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill is refined before performing the Spiritual Energy exchange ritual would be most beneficial to me… Then what am I still doing here?” Mu Zhian countered lazily.

Luo Tan tilted her head slightly, her tone elegant and charming, “Just as you said before, there’s more than one way to exchange Spiritual Energy, isn’t there?”

She removed one of her snow-white jade boots, faintly revealing her tender white feet, rested her cheek on her hand, and looked at Mu Zhian with a smile: “Of course, if you want to go back and focus on cultivation, I won’t stop you.”

“What’s your choice~?”

…

In the blink of an eye, three days passed unknowingly.

During these three days, besides visiting Luo Tan’s bedchamber every night to ask about alchemy, Mu Zhian spent most of his time cultivating in his courtyard.

At this moment, in a courtyard within the imperial palace, Luo Tan sat under a pavilion, sipping tea, a Go piece in her hand.

The sexy Princess sat opposite her, her beautiful eyes quietly gazing at the Go board, seemingly pondering the game.

“With the Great Peng Emperor’s personality, he probably won’t wait seven days before coming to find you. What do you plan to tell him then?” The Princess suddenly brought up an irrelevant topic.

“The Myriad Transformations Qi Cauldron is a sacred artifact of Yu State. No one can take it out of Yu State… I’ll naturally tell him the truth.”

“As for offending the Great Peng Emperor… it doesn’t really matter. After all, he probably also knows that borrowing the Myriad Transformations Qi Cauldron isn’t realistic. He didn’t have much hope from the start.”

Luo Tan placed a white Go piece on the board, taking several surrounded black pieces, and looked at the Princess with a smile, “What about you? Aren’t you planning to persuade me on his behalf?”

“If you were the one asking, I would seriously consider it.”

The Princess slowly shook her head: “Not to mention whether the Great Peng Emperor can truly refine immortal-grade pills after borrowing the Myriad Transformations Qi Cauldron, even if he can, it doesn’t have much to do with me.”

She paused, then casually asked, “If Mu Zhian asked to borrow the cauldron, would you lend it to him?”

“No,” Luo Tan answered decisively.

“But I would help him refine pills,” she added.

“Because he’s your lover?” The Princess emphasized the word “lover”.

Luo Tan smiled without speaking.

“The Jade Empress will probably be back in a day or two. You should restrain yourself a little then,” the Princess reminded her close friend.

 

Chapter 498: Innate Celestial Furnace and Innate Celestial Furnace—A Buggy Combo 

On the viewing platform, the Princess let Mu Zhian hold her hand, seemingly stunned.

Even she probably wouldn’t have imagined that a little cultivator who had just recently reached Nascent Soul Realm would dare to threaten her.

After a while, the Princess snapped back to reality, pulled her hand away, and glared at Mu Zhian: “You dare threaten me?”

Mu Zhian shrugged: “Just returning the favor. Has Your Highness forgotten how you threatened me just now?”

The Princess was momentarily speechless.

“After all, if Your Highness hadn’t concealed your identity and impersonated Empress Luo Tan, I wouldn’t have misunderstood,” Mu Zhian continued.

The Princess opened her rosy lips slightly, wanting to say something, but the words were stuck in her throat.

Indeed, earlier in the bedchamber, she was the one who wanted to trick Mu Zhian into revealing his secrets, hence disguising herself as Luo Tan.

Mu Zhian originally just wanted to be intimate with Luo Tan and had no idea that the Great Peng Emperor’s fiancée had impersonated her.

“Actually, even if you tell Her Majesty, I don’t think she’ll say anything,” Mu Zhian suddenly said.

The Princess glanced at Mu Zhian: “You mean, she wouldn’t say anything after discovering her man being intimate with her most trusted friend?”

She chuckled softly, “Perhaps, just as you said, but I don’t want to gamble… As for what happened between us tonight, let’s just leave it at that.”

“However, there’s one thing I still want to ask Young Master Mu.”

The beautiful woman gazed at Mu Zhian calmly, a moist glint in her usually gentle eyes.

“Please speak, Your Highness. I will answer truthfully,” Mu Zhian said with a smile.

“You do possess the Innate Celestial Furnace, correct?” the Princess asked.

“Didn’t Your Highness already confirm that tonight?” Mu Zhian countered.

Even though she wore a veil, he could still see a shy blush quickly spread across the Princess’s beautiful face beneath it. She glared at Mu Zhian, “Young Master Mu, don’t mention this matter in front of others in the future… It’s not good for either of us.”

“Or are you deliberately teasing this Seat?”

Mu Zhian was stunned: “If I have to say, wasn’t it Your Highness who teased me first tonight…? I thought the person in the bedchamber was Luo Tan.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes dimmed slightly, “My innocence was ruined by Your Highness, and now I’m being slandered by you… Oh well, since you’re of such high status, I’ll just swallow this grievance.”

The Princess glanced at this frivolous fellow and said, “Clearly you were the one who took advantage, why does it sound like it’s all my fault?”

Mu Zhian’s expression remained unchanged. Looking at the Sabbath envoy and the academy elder who had already taken the stage and were preparing to duel, he casually brought up a seemingly irrelevant topic:

“Your Highness, do you think men and women should be equal in this world?”

The gentle and dignified Princess nodded without hesitation: “Naturally.”

Mu Zhian smiled, “Then why do you think that me mistaking you for Luo Tan and kissing you tonight means I took advantage, and not the other way around?”

“…”

After a moment of silence, the Princess glanced at Mu Zhian and snorted softly, “Sophistry.”

Mu Zhian smiled, but didn’t continue teasing her.

Firstly, this Great Peng Emperor’s fiancée was a Dao Integration Realm expert after all. Although her personality was gentle, if he truly angered her, it wouldn’t end well.

Secondly… because of Miss Spirit Dragon, he might need the Princess’s help in the future.

Mu Zhian said, “As Your Highness wishes, tonight’s matter will end here.”

“If you need any help in the future, Your Highness, I will do my best. Please believe in my sincerity,” Mu Zhian’s tone was filled with sincerity.

If Mu Zhian had said this before tonight, the Princess would only have scoffed, thinking he was overestimating himself.

Because in her eyes, Mu Zhian was just a boy, at most a bit handsome, with some talent, reaching Nascent Soul Realm earlier than his peers… But that was all.

But now… Mu Zhian’s Spiritual Energy still flowed within her body.

Even between her lips and teeth, she could still taste the wonders of the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy.

That intoxicating fragrance was unmatched by any fine wine in the world.

And, he knew how to be ‘humble and low-key’.

The secret of the Innate Celestial Furnace, if she hadn’t disguised herself as Luo Tan tonight, she probably wouldn’t have known about this huge secret hidden within Mu Zhian.

The Innate Celestial Furnace was filled with Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy…

If this matter were to spread, even with Fairy Yao Meng’s protection, Mu Zhian would probably become the target of pursuit for female cultivators.

Sensing Mu Zhian’s sincerity, the Princess couldn’t help but be slightly moved, and said in her pleasant voice, “Why are you willing to help me?”

“It’s simple. You’re a friend trusted by Empress Luo Tan, and you were also the one protecting me when the Great Peng Emperor tried to pressure me today,” Mu Zhian said with a gentle smile.

“Today’s matter was caused by me, so naturally I will protect you,” the Princess shook her head.

“Perhaps it was just a small effort for Your Highness, but I will always remember this kindness,” Mu Zhian said sincerely.

He paused, then hesitated, “However, the Great Peng Emperor is ultimately Your Highness’s fiancé. Please don’t have a conflict with him because of me… That wouldn’t be good. After all, he’s the ruler of Cloud Province, his influence is vast…”

The Princess said faintly, “No matter how powerful he is, he wouldn’t truly become enemies with me. You don’t need to worry about my matters.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, subconsciously looking at the Princess.

“What’s wrong?”

Seemingly uncomfortable being stared at, the Princess couldn’t help but ask.

Mu Zhian came back to his senses and said softly, “Nothing… I just feel Your Highness is so kind to me.”

Although she had met many men in the past, this was the first time she had met a man with such innate charm as Mu Zhian. Plus, with the ambiguous atmosphere between them tonight, for some reason, the Princess’s heart couldn’t help but race slightly.

Her gentle eyes lingered on Mu Zhian for a long time before she came back to her senses, “In short, just remember not to reveal tonight’s matter. It will be beneficial to you in the future.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Mu Zhian quickly lowered his head, maintaining the proper demeanor of a junior.

Their conversation ended there. Just then, a surge of Spiritual Energy came from the distance.

Mu Zhian looked up and saw an elder on the north White Jade Platform, his palm transforming into a beam of light, attacking the Sabbath envoy on the other side of the platform, his aura powerful.

“After the rules of heaven and earth were rewritten, some cultivators who were stuck at bottlenecks have reached the threshold of Soul Transformation Realm, and advancing through the ranks of Nascent Soul Realm, which was incredibly difficult before, has also become much easier.”

The Princess sighed softly, “I just don’t know how many Nascent Soul Realm cultivators will die in the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation this time.”

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred, and he asked, “Judging by Your Highness’s words, you’ve witnessed the rewriting of the rules of heaven and earth before?”

The Princess nodded: “The rules of heaven and earth might change once every few thousand years. You just happened to encounter a golden age, and with Luo Tan around… as long as you successfully refine the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill, reaching Soul Transformation probably won’t take long.”

Mu Zhian continued, “On the premise that we can obtain the ingredients for the Nascent Soul Pill, especially the Cloud Smoke Willow from Cloud Province.”

The Princess glanced at Mu Zhian, as if seeing through his thoughts, and said calmly, “Don’t worry, I’ll take you to find the Cloud Smoke Willow after I return to Cloud Province in two days.”

“Then thank you in advance, Your Highness,” Mu Zhian cupped his hands.

After sitting on the viewing platform for a while, the duel between the Sabbath envoy and the academy elder in the distance seemed to be nearing its end.

Just as Luo Tan predicted from the start, the elders who could teach students in this academy were definitely not weak.

“It seems that elder has won,” Mu Zhian said softly.

The Princess nodded, then her gaze fell on Luo Tan, who had returned to the platform at some unknown time.

“Luo Tan will handle the rest. I plan to return to the imperial palace. Are you going to wait for her, or leave with me?” she asked.

Why does this sound like ‘choose her or choose me’…? Mu Zhian couldn’t help but recall Ruoxi and the others making him make similar choices during past “scenes of carnage”.

“I’m also a bit tired tonight. Since Your Highness doesn’t mind, I’ll leave with you,” Mu Zhian said with a smile.

“But before that, it’s better to tell her,” he added.

The Princess nodded gently. Looking at Mu Zhian, who was about to leave the viewing platform, she suddenly hesitated, “Right… I still need a few more of those Minor Rejuvenation Pills you refined. Could Young Master Mu refine some more after returning?”

“Are you referring to the Minor Rejuvenation Pills infused with Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy?” Mu Zhian asked.

The Princess nodded slightly: “Consider this a favor this Seat owes you. If you need anything in the future, you can tell me, and I will repay this favor.”

Your Highness, I don’t want to work hard anymore, I wonder if that’s okay… Mu Zhian complained inwardly, “After refining the Minor Rejuvenation Pills, I’ll send them to you.”

…

After a bumpy ride, Mu Zhian returned to the imperial palace.

Zunyun Academy was close to the imperial palace, so the return trip didn’t take long.

Mu Zhian returned to his courtyard, spent nearly an hour refining a batch of Minor Rejuvenation Pills, placing them in a jade bottle, then left the courtyard.

Refining this pill wasn’t difficult for Mu Zhian. He chose the Minor Rejuvenation Pill as the pill to infuse with Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy before purely because his alchemy skills could only barely refine second-grade pills.

Soon, he arrived at the Princess’s guest room with the jade bottle containing a large amount of second-grade Minor Rejuvenation Pills, spoke to the maid outside, and waited for her message.

After a while, the pretty maid came to announce: “Young Master Mu, the Princess invites you in.”

Mu Zhian entered the courtyard and saw the beautiful and alluring Princess in the elegantly decorated front hall. She had changed into a loose dress, her hair simply tied up, her eyebrows like distant mountains, her lips plump and rosy. Although a veil covered her stunning face, it couldn’t conceal the unique charm of a mature woman.

Although I haven’t seen her face, this woman’s figure is truly amazing, no wonder the Great Peng Emperor is so obsessed with her…

Mu Zhian retracted his gaze and presented the jade bottle.

“As agreed, these are the Minor Rejuvenation Pills Your Highness requested.”

The Princess raised her eyelids slightly and said faintly, “What I want isn’t just Minor Rejuvenation Pills.”

Mu Zhian smiled, “I know, these Minor Rejuvenation Pills contain Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy, although not much… Speaking of which, what does Your Highness need these pills for?”

Logically, even if she refined all these Minor Rejuvenation Pills he refined, that amount of Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy wouldn’t be of much benefit to the Princess.

“There’s no need for Young Master Mu to worry about that, this Seat has her uses.”

The Princess said softly, “Young Master Mu must be tired after traveling today, I won’t keep you here any longer.”

Kicking me out right after getting what she wants, bad woman… Mu Zhian’s lips twitched slightly. He could only cup his hands helplessly and say, “Then this junior will take his leave.”

…

After the door closed, the Princess’s spiritual sense instantly enveloped the entire courtyard. After observing for a while, she retracted her spiritual sense.

Then, she poured out a pill from the jade bottle, hesitated for a moment, and put it in her rosy mouth.

For a moment, her delicate body trembled slightly, her eyes dazed.

The Spiritual Energy in this pill was indeed the same as the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy Mu Zhian gave her tonight…

No… The Spiritual Energy he gave her tonight was far denser than the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy in this Minor Rejuvenation Pill.

After all, only the Spiritual Energy given through dual cultivation was the densest.

“Just as I suspected, Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy can’t make a Dao Integration Realm expert transcend… At least, this amount is far from enough.”

The Princess murmured softly.

But if she completely absorbed the Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy within the Innate Celestial Furnace, or, after absorbing it, waited for the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy to recover, then repeatedly absorbed it two or three more times, what would happen in the long run?

This absurd thought suddenly popped into the Princess’s mind.

Then, she snapped out of her daze, quickly shaking her head, and dismissed the absurd thought.

However, for some reason, she quietly tightened her grip on the Minor Rejuvenation Pill in her hand.

…

The next day.

Luo Tan didn’t summon Mu Zhian again after returning to the palace last night, seemingly still busy with other government affairs. Then, in the evening, while Mu Zhian was studying alchemy in the courtyard, he received a message from Luo Tan.

Mu Zhian then entered the palace and soon saw the Empress, who held the power of Yu State, in her luxuriously decorated bedchamber. She wore a snow-white dress with gold threads, a magnificent hair ornament, and tassels made of rare pearls, accentuating her flawless beauty.

Luo Tan sat in her bedchamber, her hand against her forehead, her voluptuous and slender legs encased in snow-white jade boots, resting on the luxurious soft carpet. She seemed to be deep in thought.

“Should I have come later? Your Majesty seems to have something on your mind,” Mu Zhian said.

Luo Tan glanced at him and said with a smile, “It’s precisely because I have something on my mind that I wanted to see you.”

“After all, no matter how troublesome things are, with you by my side, they don’t seem so bad.”

Mu Zhian was stunned, thinking, I didn’t expect this Empress to know how to flirt with men.

“Right, what did you want to tell me at the academy yesterday?” Luo Tan suddenly asked.

Mu Zhian was silent for a moment, then shook his head and smiled, “Nothing…”

However, before he could finish speaking, Luo Tan’s crisp and pleasant voice sounded: “Has she already discovered that you possess the Innate Celestial Furnace?”

Mu Zhian was slightly surprised, staring at Luo Tan, not saying a word.

“Don’t be so surprised. The Princess is a being beloved by the Great Dao, born blessed by heaven, so her discovering you possess the Innate Celestial Furnace is only a matter of time.”

The noble, elegant, and alluring Empress crossed her black silk-clad legs, a faint smile in her beautiful eyes: “How did she find out?”

“There was a slight misunderstanding between us when you left yesterday…” Mu Zhian said tactfully.

Luo Tan was stunned for a moment, then, as if realizing something, she abruptly widened her eyes, staring intently at Mu Zhian: “If I remember correctly, I asked you to come to my bedchamber last night. Logically, the Princess shouldn’t have spent much time with you, how did she discover your Innate Celestial Furnace?”

“Or… did she also come to my bedchamber last night?”

When Luo Tan asked again, Mu Zhian didn’t answer for a long time.

Luo Tan understood, a complex look appearing on her beautiful and cold face.

“Did something happen between you and her?”

She subconsciously lowered her voice. Although she already had a guess, hearing the answer from Mu Zhian still shocked her, making it difficult to accept.

“Nothing happened. There was just some unnecessary misunderstanding when I was talking to the Princess in the bedchamber last night, which led to her discovering the Innate Celestial Furnace,” Mu Zhian shook his head.

“No wonder she seemed much closer to you at the academy last night…”

At this moment, Luo Tan finally understood.

“Zunyun Academy won a great victory yesterday, why does Your Majesty seem troubled today?” Mu Zhian changed the subject.

Hearing this, Luo Tan couldn’t help but rub her brows and sigh softly, “Every few years, Zunyun Academy sends a few of their top disciples to the imperial palace… If I remember correctly, it’s almost time again.”

Mu Zhian asked doubtfully, “What’s there to be troubled about?”

“Just selecting disciples isn’t troublesome, but I have to consider the balance between commoners and nobles, and also the feelings of the important ministers in the court.”

Mu Zhian didn’t understand these things and couldn’t offer any advice, but he couldn’t help sighing inwardly: Although a Dao Integration Realm expert, having to deal with such troublesome matters is truly tiring…

Luo Tan leaned gently against Mu Zhian and said faintly, “Sometimes I wonder why I established the Immortal Dynasty in the first place… What benefit does it bring me? If it weren’t for this Immortal Dynasty, I would probably be as carefree as the Jade Empress now.”

“Everyone has different aspirations. Your Majesty cares for the cultivators of Yu State, suppressing forbidden beings, everyone praises you, even I admire you in my heart,” Mu Zhian embraced the noble and elegant Empress, feeling the warmth of her delicate body.

After an unknown amount of time in silence, Mu Zhian smelled the delicate fragrance emanating from the beautiful woman’s snow-white dress in his arms. His awe and admiration for Luo Tan gradually changed.

At this moment, two voices seemed to echo in his mind. One said: She’s the Empress of Yu State, the Empress who suppressed forbidden beings and established the Immortal Dynasty. You should have respect for her!

And the other voice said: I don’t care, I want to suppress her!

The two voices battled in his mind. Luo Tan’s delicate body pressed tightly against Mu Zhian, her weight seemingly leaning entirely on him.

Finally, the second voice won.

Luo Tan also seemed to sense something, glancing at Mu Zhian’s handsome face, then gradually lowering her gaze.

Noticing something, a gentle look appeared in the Empress’s usually noble and elegant eyes, and she said softly, “The Princess will be coming to play Go with me later, so…”

“Just a little intimacy, it’s okay, right?” Mu Zhian turned to look at her and said softly.

The Pill Emperor met his gaze, her heart rippling.

She wanted to be intimate with Mu Zhian yesterday but was repeatedly interrupted. Not only Mu Zhian, but she also missed the young man’s scent.

A passionate glint appeared in her eyes, and she hummed softly, “Just a little intimacy, we should have enough time…”

She wanted to bend down and remove her snow-white jade boots, but just then, Mu Zhian placed a hand on the back of her hand.

Under Luo Tan’s puzzled gaze, Mu Zhian said softly, “Let’s just stay like this, you’re most beautiful right now.”

Luo Tan seemed to understand something and immediately rolled her eyes, her charm overflowing, “I’ve been wondering why you always stare at my legs, so you have this kind of hobby?”

Then, she placed a hand on Mu Zhian’s shoulder, a smile in her usually elegant eyes, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, “Next time, I’ll take you to the place where I review memorials and play with you there, how about it?”

This woman is so good…

Thump! Thump!

Mu Zhian’s heart raced. Looking at the Empress’s playful eyes, he could no longer suppress his desire. He wrapped his arm around Luo Tan’s slender waist, lowered his head, and kissed her red lips.

The Spiritual Energy between the Innate Celestial Furnace and the Innate Celestial Furnace finally intertwined.

Chapter 497: Your Highness Wouldn’t Want Our Little Secret to Get Out, Would You?

Mu Zhian, riding in the carriage, finally arrived at the gates of Zunyun Academy after half an hour.

He stepped out of the carriage, went to the other side, lifted the curtain, and extended his hand to the mistress inside.

The Princess stepped down from the carriage, glanced at Mu Zhian, and, instead of taking his hand, jumped down herself.

Unlike her attire earlier today, she wore a shimmering white dress, revealing her fair neck and delicate collarbone, without showing much skin. The dress hugged her figure, accentuating her ample bosom.

Her style was quite homely. Because of the veil, Mu Zhian couldn’t see her makeup, but just by looking at her bright and expressive eyes, he could sense the mature and charming aura of a married woman.

However, tonight, her attitude towards Mu Zhian was much colder, something even Mu Zhian could clearly sense.

It seems the person in the bedchamber earlier really was the Princess…

Mu Zhian glanced at the Princess with a strange look.

He had felt something was off when he entered the hall and talked to her earlier, so he tried some intimate gestures…

But no matter what, he couldn’t have imagined that the woman in the hall just now would actually be the Princess.

Their arrival immediately attracted the attention of many academy students nearby. No matter the era, beautiful people always attracted more attention.

Just then, a crisp and gentle voice came from not far away: “Young Master Mu…?”

The young girl called out tentatively with a slightly uncertain tone. Mu Zhian turned his head and saw a woman in a pink and white dress. Her appearance made many students in the academy turn their heads.

“Why is Senior Sister Shui Xian in the outer courtyard…? Isn’t she already a disciple of the Grand Elder of the inner courtyard?”

“The Third Elder of the outer courtyard had a conflict with a Sabbath envoy today, and many inner courtyard students came to watch the excitement. She probably came to see it too.”

“Who is that cultivator talking to Senior Sister Shui Xian? I’ve never seen him before. Could he be from another academy?”

Some academy students whispered amongst themselves, their gazes occasionally falling on Mu Zhian.

Ever since Xiao Shuixian went to the Two Polarities Sect with the Pill Emperor, for some reason, Her Majesty valued her greatly, even keeping Xiao Shuixian by her side for a while after returning to Yu State to give her guidance. As a result, Xiao Shuixian’s alchemy skills had significantly improved.

In Zunyun Academy, Xiao Shuixian’s strength was currently second only to one, but among her peers, her alchemy skills were already ranked first.

Coupled with her prominent family background and beauty, her popularity in the academy was always in the top three. It was no wonder her greeting attracted the attention of so many academy students.

Mu Zhian noticed the little beauty’s gaze and couldn’t help but smile gently, “Miss Xiao, long time no see.”

Wasn’t he always in the Eastern Continent? Why does he know people in Zunyun Academy…?

The Princess discreetly sized up the young girl.

Xiao Shuixian’s gaze also lingered on the Princess for a moment, an inexplicable wariness rising in her heart.

For some reason, although she couldn’t see the woman’s face, just by looking at the Princess’s mature and sexy figure and her gentle temperament, it wasn’t hard to imagine the captivating beauty hidden beneath the veil.

“Why is Young Master Mu at Zunyun Academy?” Xiao Shuixian quickly retracted her gaze and asked gently.

However, a hint of anticipation flickered in her eyes.

Mu Zhian smiled, “I came to Yu State for some business and happened to see the commotion at your academy today, so I came to take a look.”

Xiao Shuixian’s eyes dimmed slightly, but she quickly hid her disappointment and said with a smile, “In that case, I’ll take you there. It’s the Third Elder of the outer courtyard dueling with a Sabbath envoy today. It probably hasn’t started yet.”

She paused, then continued, “Her Majesty is also there today.”

…

The north side of Zunyun Academy in Yu State’s White Jade Platform was located on an island called ‘Flying Fish’. The platform was strengthened by formations year-round, with many cultivators coming and going every day.

Compared to usual, the area around the north White Jade Platform was much more lively today.

And the reason was that the people dueling on the platform today weren’t ordinary cultivators, but an elder of Zunyun Academy’s outer courtyard.

At this moment, Luo Tan sat before the platform with other Zunyun Academy elders, waiting for the duel to begin.

A female elder beside her whispered, “Rest assured, Your Majesty. Feng Xuan is at the seventh rank of Nascent Soul Realm, and because of his alchemy skills, his spiritual power far surpasses cultivators of the same realm. He won’t lose this duel.”

Luo Tan hummed softly in agreement.

She truly wasn’t worried.

Although the Zunyun Academy elders rarely fought against others, their strength was no less than cultivators from the outside world.

After all, some of these elders had traveled extensively in their youth, and after passing through Yu State, they were captivated by Luo Tan’s charm and willingly joined Zunyun Academy to teach disciples.

And before this, many of them were formidable figures in the Nine Provinces, but they usually restrained themselves before the academy students.

The Sabbath envoy taking the initiative to provoke them tonight, he probably hadn’t even investigated the backgrounds of these academy elders before rashly challenging them.

Luo Tan didn’t care about the outcome of the duel. She came to Zunyun Academy today not to stop the fight, as doing so would seem petty.

Luo Tan came here today simply to put some pressure on the Sabbath envoys.

Besides that… sometimes, personally handling these matters made it easier to win the hearts of the people.

“With Your Majesty here, the arrogance of those Sabbath envoys has been extinguished,” an elder beside her said with a chuckle.

“Indeed, and the academy disciples seem very excited. If I remember correctly, the last time Your Majesty came to the academy was exactly one year ago.”

A beautiful woman beside Luo Tan smiled gently, looking at the academy students below, and said, “With Your Majesty personally coming to the academy this time, these children will probably cultivate even harder in the future.”

In Yu State, this holy land of alchemy, most cultivators grew up listening to Luo Tan’s stories. Yu State wasn’t always unified. The beings in the forbidden lands would come out every few hundred years to absorb the essence of living beings.

Until later, a Dao Integration Realm expert was born in Yu State. She used immortal gold to forge a cauldron capable of transforming all things into Spiritual Energy, suppressing the forbidden beings of Yu State, ending the chaos, and finally establishing this prosperous Immortal Dynasty.

Having heard these stories, most cultivators in Yu State blindly worshipped this Empress.

And the students of Zunyun Academy saw her as their role model. Being chosen to serve her would bring honor to their entire family.

Therefore, when Luo Tan chose Xiao Shuixian to serve her by grinding ink and preparing brushes, and taught her alchemy, not only did Xiao Shuixian’s name become famous throughout Zunyun Academy, but the Xiao family’s status in Yu State also rose significantly.

The beautiful woman couldn’t help but look at the Empress in the magnificent white dress again. She was admiring the Empress’s peerless beauty, but then she noticed that Luo Tan seemed somewhat distracted.

“Your Majesty, is there something on your mind?” the beautiful woman hesitated.

Luo Tan snapped out of her thoughts, shook her head, and said with a smile, “Nothing.”

She then casually asked, “When does the duel begin?”

“In reply to Your Majesty, according to the agreement, it will begin in the time it takes an incense stick to burn,” someone beside her responded respectfully.

The time it takes an incense stick to burn, then there’s still time to go back and see him… Luo Tan thought inwardly.

She had already made an appointment with Mu Zhian to meet her in the bedchamber tonight, but she came to Zunyun Academy instead.

However, it hadn’t even been an hour, he shouldn’t have gone back so soon… Just as Luo Tan thought of this, about to retract her gaze,

her attention was suddenly drawn to a young man in the crowd.

Mu Zhian…

And beside Mu Zhian were two women. One looked quite pure and lovely, easy to imagine becoming a graceful beauty when she grew up.

And the other woman wore a fitted, goose-yellow dress embroidered with plump crabapple blossoms, a sash outlining her sexy and slender waist, her figure alluring, her temperament like a ripe peach, as if waiting to be picked.

Xiao Shuixian and the Princess.

“Why are they here…?”

Luo Tan’s casual gaze froze slightly, and she subconsciously murmured softly.

And logically, shouldn’t the Princess be very averse to Mu Zhian? Why was she with him now?

Although she was only the Great Peng Emperor’s wife in name, in the eyes of the world, this Princess was a married woman… Outside, the Princess should try to avoid suspicion as much as possible…

Luo Tan’s eyes flickered. She discreetly beckoned to her personal maid and gestured slightly.

The maid glanced at Mu Zhian, immediately understood, turned, and quietly left the platform.

…

Led by Xiao Shuixian, Mu Zhian and the Princess walked through the crowd and unknowingly arrived at Flying Fish Island, where the White Jade Platform was located.

There was no one on the platform at the moment, but many cultivators had already gathered below. Most of them were Zunyun Academy students, seemingly quite interested in this duel.

Mu Zhian glanced over the cultivators and saw many good-looking female students in dresses, revealing their long, snow-white legs. Some even wore black silk stockings similar to what Luo Tan wore when she went to the Two Polarities Sect that day.

Yu State seemed much more open than other provinces. Logically, dressing like this in the cultivation world seemed a bit strange, but everyone in Yu State seemed accustomed to it.

“What is Young Master Mu looking at?” Xiao Shuixian’s pleasant voice suddenly came from beside him. Her beautiful eyes gazed at him tenderly.

Although she hadn’t dressed up specially today, her beauty was still top-notch… Yet after Mu Zhian arrived, his gaze wandered to other girls.

“I’m just a bit surprised, you seem much more open here than other provinces.”

Mu Zhian smiled, his gaze falling on Xiao Shuixian, and continued, “Actually, there’s something I haven’t said.”

“What is it?” Xiao Shuixian blinked, her attention successfully captured by Mu Zhian.

“Although I came to Yu State at Empress Luo Tan’s invitation, I also came to Zunyun Academy today because there’s someone I want to see here.”

Xiao Shuixian was stunned for a moment. Then, under Mu Zhian’s gaze, a flustered look flashed through her eyes. She lowered her eyelids slightly, casually smoothing her hair, her face slightly flushed.

Mu Zhian gazed quietly for a moment, then suddenly said with a wry smile, “Sorry, you’re still blaming me for scheming against Xiao Hua and killing him, right?”

Hearing this, Xiao Shuixian hurriedly looked up and said, “What are you saying, Young Master Mu? If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have known that his spiritual sense had already been devoured by an otherworldly evil being… He was no longer my brother Xiao Hua at that time.”

Xiao Shuixian lowered her voice and continued, “Or rather, if it weren’t for Young Master Mu, I might still be deceived by him even now.”

Mu Zhian was stunned: “You don’t blame me?”

“I said it before, this matter has nothing to do with Young Master Mu. You actually helped me a lot,” Xiao Shuixian gently shook her head.

“That’s great, I thought Miss Xiao was still blaming me,” Mu Zhian revealed a relieved and gentle smile. His bright smile in the night attracted the attention of many female disciples nearby, who couldn’t help but look over, their eyes lighting up.

“Senior Sister Shui Xian, is this your friend?” A female disciple who seemed to know Xiao Shuixian came over and greeted them, her smile gentle, her eyes involuntarily drawn to Mu Zhian’s.

Even if he deliberately restrained the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox’s innate charm, Mu Zhian still involuntarily attracted the attention and favor of women.

Xiao Shuixian’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, but she maintained a polite smile: “Mmm… He’s a guest invited by Her Majesty.”

“Her Majesty?”

The female disciple’s eyes lit up, but before she could speak, a maid came over from the distance, glanced at the few people present, and said softly, “Young Master Mu, Her Majesty requests your presence.”

The Princess discreetly glanced at Mu Zhian, a playful smile appearing on her beautiful face beneath the veil.

Mu Zhian had just arrived, and Luo Tan had already noticed. She reacted quite quickly…

…

When Mu Zhian and the others arrived at the viewing platform in the distance, they found no one around. An invisible formation seemed to envelop the entire platform.

“You can’t see inside the viewing platform from the outside, but you can see the outside clearly from the platform… This formation is truly magical.”

Mu Zhian looked around, admiring the view of the outside world from the platform.

“This is a fourth-grade formation. It prevents anyone from the outside from peering in,” Xiao Shuixian explained from beside him.

After saying that, she quickly recalled something and hesitated, “I forgot to ask just now, who is that woman with Young Master Mu?”

“The Princess of Cloud Province,” Mu Zhian explained.

“Her Highness the Princess?!” Xiao Shuixian’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

She had heard of this woman. She was Her Majesty’s close friend. She had heard Her Majesty say that this Princess had saved her life before, when she was serving in the imperial court.

She didn’t expect this Princess to also come to Zunyun Academy, and with Mu Zhian.

“Shui Xian is also here?”

Just then, a woman’s calm and pleasant voice came from not far away.

Mu Zhian looked up and saw the noble Empress of Yu State.

Her long hair cascaded down, adorned with luxurious ornaments, the golden tassels swaying gently. A pair of snow-white boots embroidered with gold borders covered her delicate and fair legs. The boots lightly tapped the floor, adding a touch of nobility to the Empress’s elegant demeanor.

She leaned against a chair, her gaze first lingering on Mu Zhian for a moment, then shifting to Xiao Shuixian.

“Your Majesty,” Xiao Shuixian bowed respectfully.

Luo Tan glanced at the little beauty before her, smiled, and nodded, “Mmm, it seems you’re just one step away from becoming a sixth-grade alchemist, not bad.”

“This is all thanks to Your Majesty’s past guidance. Shui Xian has always kept it in mind and never dared to forget,” Xiao Shuixian replied respectfully.

Luo Tan smiled and nodded gently: “If I remember correctly, you’re still in charge of many matters regarding the inner courtyard disciples today, right? I’m here, you can go and attend to your duties.”

Xiao Shuixian glanced at Mu Zhian hesitantly.

“Don’t worry, I’m here, there’s no need to worry about Young Master Mu,” Luo Tan crossed her legs, her skirt swaying, revealing a glimpse of her snow-white thigh between her boots and skirt.

That’s true, with Her Majesty here, even if there are Sabbath envoys in the academy, they wouldn’t dare cause trouble, there’s indeed no need to worry…

Xiao Shuixian smiled faintly, “Since Your Majesty has important matters to discuss with Young Master Mu, then Shui Xian will take her leave.”

Luo Tan smiled, watching as Xiao Shuixian’s figure disappeared behind the viewing platform, then turned her gaze to Mu Zhian.

“Why are you sitting so far away from me? Are you afraid I’ll eat you?” Luo Tan chuckled softly, her tone playful.

“Not really, I was just thinking about something,” Mu Zhian walked over and sat down beside Luo Tan naturally.

“Thinking about what? You can speak frankly. This place is enveloped by my formation. Outsiders can’t enter, and they can’t see what’s happening inside this viewing platform either,” Luo Tan said with a smile.

Mu Zhian smiled without speaking, thinking, Outsiders can’t see, but they can probably hear, right?

Speaking of which, does she mean this place is very safe, and no one will approach?

And the underlying meaning is… can we unlock a new CG here?

Mu Zhian suddenly realized Luo Tan’s hidden meaning and discreetly observed the Empress beside him.

“I originally planned to bring you to Zunyun Academy, but considering you might not like these fights, I came alone,” Luo Tan glanced at the young man with gentle eyes and continued, “Sorry, I should have told you first.”

Hearing this, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but sigh softly, “Although I’m indeed not interested in watching the excitement, Your Majesty should have told me… Or it would have been nice if you brought me to the academy.”

Luo Tan raised a delicate eyebrow, surprised, “Why? Are you interested in the duel between my Yu State cultivators and the Sabbath envoy? Or did you want to come to the academy to see your little lover?”

Towards the end of her words, her tone became playful, clearly having seen through Xiao Shuixian’s feelings for Mu Zhian.

“I’m not very interested in the duel here, it’s just…”

Mu Zhian looked at Luo Tan with a complicated expression and said in a low voice, “While Your Majesty was at the academy, something happened in the imperial palace.”

The calm smile on Luo Tan’s face finally faded slightly, and she hesitated, “What do you mean?”

Just as Mu Zhian was about to speak, a woman’s gentle and pleasant voice suddenly came from the distance, interrupting their conversation: “Luo Tan, there are so many empty seats here, you wouldn’t mind one more person joining, right?”

Luo Tan looked up and met the gentle eyes of the mature and beautiful married woman.

She immediately revealed a charming smile: “Naturally, I don’t mind, but I didn’t expect you to come to the academy to watch the excitement, how rare.”

The Princess walked gracefully and sat down beside Mu Zhian, smiling gently, “I happened to run into Young Master Mu when I went out tonight, so I came with him to take a look. I have nothing else to do in Yu State anyway.”

Luo Tan nodded gently: “No wonder you’re with him tonight, so you met by chance on the road?”

Just as she thought of this, a maid’s voice came from outside the viewing platform: “Your Majesty, the Dean of the inner courtyard wants to see you, it seems there’s something important.”

Again… Luo Tan’s delicate brows couldn’t help but furrow slightly, displeased at being interrupted.

Whenever Luo Tan came to Zunyun Academy, that alchemy fanatic Dean would ask her about alchemy. She didn’t expect that the other party already knew about her arrival just moments after she got to the academy tonight.

“Then you two can sit here for a while. I’ll be back after dealing with that matter,” Luo Tan said, then walked out of the viewing platform, disappearing from Mu Zhian’s sight.

Mu Zhian admired the scenery outside the viewing platform, then casually glanced at the beautiful married woman and said, “Were you just stopping me, not wanting her to know about this?”

“What happened between you and me was a misunderstanding. If you tell Luo Tan, it will only cause trouble, even create unnecessary misunderstandings and rifts between her and me.”

This matter of her disguising herself as Luo Tan couldn’t be explained. If Luo Tan found out, she might even think that she took advantage of her absence from the palace, impersonated her, and seduced Mu Zhian…

The Princess paused and continued softly, “It’s better to keep this matter a secret between us.”

She sighed with some emotion, “I just didn’t expect… that she chose you for your Innate Celestial Furnace.”

“It wasn’t just for the Innate Celestial Furnace,” Mu Zhian smiled, “Her Majesty and I are quite compatible. She mentioned this before.”

“Since Your Highness understands her so well, you should also know that she wouldn’t choose just anyone as her Dao Companion.”

“Although Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy is several times denser than Nine Provinces Spiritual Energy, it’s still not enough to help her transcend. She must have taken a liking to your other merits,” the Princess said calmly.

Hearing this, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but ask, “You concluded that I couldn’t help her transcend just by sensing a wisp of Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy?”

“I am the Daughter of the Great Dao. Whether Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy can help her transcend, I naturally know,” the Princess said softly.

Mu Zhian shook his head and smiled, “If you sensed denser Heavenly Court Spiritual Energy, you might not say that.”

The Princess was stunned, seemingly recalling what happened in the imperial palace bedchamber earlier. A blush quickly spread across her face, and she glanced at Mu Zhian, saying softly, “Do you dare?”

Her beautiful eyes were still gentle, but her tone carried a hint of warning, or perhaps pressure, “Although there’s nothing between the Great Peng Emperor and me, in the eyes of outsiders, we are husband and wife. If he finds out about this, even with the Jade Empress protecting you, he would probably demand an explanation.”

Mu Zhian was stunned: “But earlier in the palace, you were the one who disguised yourself as Her Majesty, causing that misunderstanding, right?”

The Princess chuckled softly and said lightly, “If I wanted to, I could turn black into white.”

Mu Zhian was momentarily speechless.

He didn’t expect a dignified Dao Integration Realm expert to use such petty tricks!

The corner of the Princess’s mouth twitched upwards, her tone still gentle, carrying a warning, “You better keep tonight’s matter between us a secret. If Luo Tan finds out, it will be quite troublesome for me.”

“But if the Great Peng Emperor finds out, you’ll also be in trouble. You wouldn’t want to be targeted by a Dao Integration Realm expert, would you?”

Looking at the silent young man, the smile on the Princess’s face became even more charming.

Her eyes were incredibly gentle, but her gaze was condescending.

He was just a little cultivator after all, trying to play these little tricks with her, he was still too inexperienced.

Just as the Princess was about to speak again, ending this conversation and settling this matter completely,

Mu Zhian suddenly reached out and grabbed the beautiful married woman’s soft small hand.

The Princess’s body trembled. She almost instinctively wanted to pull her hand away, but the young man’s gentle voice came from beside her:

“Your Highness, you wouldn’t want Her Majesty Luo Tan to find out about what happened between us tonight, would you?”