Chapter - 252 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

After a moment, Lin Keyu gently patted her cheeks and stood up, walking towards the grand hall. Although she seldom left the Xuanyin Hall in the past, she found some interest in the Ascension Ceremony of the Liangyi Sect. It's good to occasionally take a peek at the world outside, isn't it? Besides, it was an opportunity to deliver the 'thank you gift' to him. ... Liangyi Sect. Unlike recent days, upon returning to the sect by sword, Mu Zhian noticed many unfamiliar faces; apart from the sect disciples, some people's attire was distinctly different from those in Dongzhou. Compared to its usual atmosphere, Liangyi Sect was evidently much livelier with the imminent Ascension Ceremony. It was no surprise, as forces from beyond the Nine Provinces would naturally arrive at Liangyi Sect around this time. As Mu Zhian traveled on his flying sword, his gaze casually observed the occasional cultivators flying by in the sky. At that moment, his peripheral vision caught sight of two cultivators in cloud-embroidered robes passing by—a woman draped in a sea-blue jacket over a white opposing-breasted short shirt and a voluminous gauzy skirt, exuding quite an enchanting aura. Beside her was another young man, dignified and composed, whose very presence commanded respect at first glance. "If I'm not mistaken, they must be from Sea of the World…?" Mu Zhian thought to himself. The Sea of the World, situated nearby Liangyi Sect, was a vast sea area. Generally, it was nearly impossible for cultivators to cross from the Sea of the World to Beizhou. Even taking a Skyship would require over a month of drifting at sea to reach the destination. It seemed that the allure of three imperial-grade medicinal herbs was significant enough to even draw interest from the usually detached forces of the Sea of the World. However, such matters had little to do with him. What concerned him more was Lingxuan's situation... With the Ascension Ceremony fast approaching, her inheritance had not yet ended. He would have to find some time tonight to check on her. Mu Zhian returned to Tianhe Court with his sword. Upon entering the maid's room, he encountered Wei Mengrou, who was just about to meditate. "What is it?" Wei Mengrou looked up at her young master, her cold eyes tinged with curiosity. "I have a favor to ask." Under her questioning gaze, Mu Zhian whispered something to her. ... Nightfall. Dexin Court. After meditating for an entire afternoon, Ye Lingxuan left her room intending to relax a bit. However, as soon as she stepped out, she spotted two somewhat familiar figures. They were her clan's people from the forbidden area, Ye Siyan. Sitting beside Ye Siyan was Ye Qian, clad in a gauzy skirt, whose innocent yet charming demeanor was evident. Since their last meeting, Ye Qian's aura had deepened significantly, as she conversed with Ye Siyan. "Sister Siyan, what brings you here?" Ye Lingxuan asked in surprise. Ye Qian instinctively looked up, then smiled sweetly, "Sister, you’ve finished meditating?" Ye Lingxuan smiled and nodded, approaching her sister. "I arrived today with Ye Qian and the others; we planned on visiting you earlier, but it seems you left the sect," Ye Siyan remarked with a smile, sizing up her niece. After a brief assessment, she genuinely praised, "Your aura seems much stronger than before." "Your power has also grown considerably, Sister Siyan," Ye Lingxuan replied. Indeed, Ye Siyan's aura and bearing were much more robust than in the past, a benefit of the legacy she acquired from the ancestral land in the forbidden zone. "Sister Lingxuan is still leagues ahead," Ye Siyan commented inadvertently, then added, "Ye Qian also came along this time, seemingly for the Ascension Ceremony and matters concerning you." "Oh," replied Ye Lingxuan indifferently, showing little interest in the clan's prodigy. She shifted the topic, "Since Sister Siyan is here, why not stay a few days? I can show you around the sect tomorrow." Ye Siyan's eyes twinkled as she replied with amusement, "Sure, I'll impose on you for a few days then." "By the way, where is that little boyfriend of yours? I should make some time to meet him tomorrow," Ye Siyan continued. "…" Ye Lingxuan's calm demeanor vanished, as if shattered in an instant. She glanced anxiously at Ye Qian next to her and, seeing no major reaction, protested, "What nonsense is Sister Siyan talking about!" With that, she added, "It's getting late, let's all retire for the night." Ye Siyan squinted her beautiful eyes slightly, casting a knowing look at Ye Lingxuan, revealing that she had gleaned certain insights about Mu Zhian from chatting with Ye Qian. "Wonder if Brother Mu is back yet; it’s been a while since I’ve seen him," Ye Qian said, looking hopeful. "Even if he were back, he’d probably be accompanying Sister Ruo Xi," Ye Lingxuan sighed, recalling how Mu Zhian was mesmerized by Bai Ruo Xi's ample graces soon after she awoke. Her mood soured. In terms of beauty and talent, Ye Lingxuan certainly didn't fall short of Bai Ruo Xi, but being younger, her development naturally couldn't match the elder Miss Bai's more pronounced figure. Though she never voiced it, Ye Lingxuan couldn't help feeling somewhat disappointed. Still, she hid her feelings and, after some casual conversation in the courtyard with Ye Siyan and her sister, took her leave and returned to her boudoir. After lighting a candle on the desk, the young girl sat before her vanity, gazing at her reflection. The mirror showed a young girl in a light purple dress, with a near-flawless and delicate face. The sixteen-year-old picked up a piece of lip rouge from the table, gently applying it, adding an enticing sheen to her lips. Her loose temple hair fell over her delicate, oval face. Her eyes were large and lively, her lips small and rosy, her features defined and cute. Even so, she was quite far from Bai Ruo Xi's 'maturity.' Clearly, Mu Zhian favored mature women, something Ye Lingxuan could infer from his past behaviors. Even though Ye Lingxuan tried to dress more maturely, she did manage to emulate the style somewhat. However, in certain aspects, she was still in the growing phase... Not even as developed as Qian'er... Ye Lingxuan sighed softly, her long, jade-like legs slightly closed, recalling the day's events. She took a shallow breath before exhaling slowly. Clearing all thoughts from her mind, she rose and lazily stretched, heading towards the bed to meditate. Suddenly, sensing something amiss, Ye Lingxuan turned her head slightly, fixing her gaze on a corner of the desk, sharply demanding, "Who's there?!" The shadow hadn't expected Ye Lingxuan's quick detection and was ready to flee quietly from the room. At that moment, the Chain of Era from her sleeve dashed out, ensnaring the shadow in the corner, restraining it effectively. "Who would have thought there'd be a thief inside the sect? What are you doing hiding in my room?" Ye Lingxuan looked down at the shadow bound by the Chain of Era, her gaze cold and discerning. The figure was shrouded, obscuring its features, but sneaking into a girl’s chamber in the dead of night made his intentions clear. "If you refuse to cooperate, I'll just have to report you to the Disciplinary Hall." Ye Lingxuan stated icily. As she formed a sealing gesture, the chain's bind tightened. As the ancient aura from the Chain of Era filled the room, Ye Siyan, not far outside, sensed the disturbance and asked whilst passing Ye Lingxuan's room, "Sister Lingxuan, is everything alright?" Ye Lingxuan glanced at the shadow, about to respond. Then, the shadow's concealment dissipated quietly, revealing a face that made Ye Lingxuan pause in surprise. Only after a moment did she stumble over her words, "N-nothing..." Gazing at the boy up close, his eyes tender and filled with warmth under the candlelight, Ye Lingxuan instinctively turned her gaze away. "Sister Siyan, rest well… I need to rest too." Tianhe Court. Bai Ruo Xi slowly opened her eyes, turning slightly to look at the night sky outside. Amidst the icy snowflakes falling around Liangyi Sect that night, she gently touched her chest, exhaling softly. Bai Ruo Xi arose and stepped outside, the cold wind tousling her white palace dress. Her alabaster, delicate face bore an expression as pure and serene as the glistening snow, her gentle, cool demeanor perfectly blending with the wintry scene outside. Just as she stepped out of her room, Bai Ruo Xi noticed Wei Mengrou, the maid in the yellow dress, standing in the courtyard, staring dazedly at the falling snow. "Sister Mengrou, has Mu Lang not returned yet?" Bai Ruo Xi asked gently. "He was back, but he just went out again," Wei Mengrou replied, then poured a cup of hot tea and placed it on the opposite table. Bai Ruo Xi walked gracefully to the courtyard, took a sip of the hot tea, and continued, "Where did he go?" "No idea," Wei Mengrou shook her head. "He's been quite busy lately," Bai Ruo Xi mused, her eyes slightly lowered, unable to see her own toes. "But he did come to see me not long ago to ask for a concealment spell," Wei Mengrou mentioned casually. "Concealment...?" Bai Ruo Xi tilted her head in confusion, her eyes flickering. Then, as if a thought crossed her mind, she inadvertently glanced towards where Ye Lingxuan was, her gaze gradually calming down. In the snow-lit night, her gentle eyes seemed to harbor a hint of shadow. ... On the other side. Once confirming Ye Siyan had left, Ye Lingxuan finally directed her gaze towards Mu Zhian, her eyes holding a hint of reproach, "When did Brother Mu sneak into my room secretly?" "And without even telling me. If I had mistaken you for an enemy and didn't give you a chance to speak, wouldn't you have been sent to the Discipline Hall?" At this, she felt a hint of relief. If not for her curiosity leading her to scan Mu Zhian's presence with her spiritual sense, she indeed might have sent this sneaky visitor straight to the Discipline Hall. "It couldn't be helped. If I could, I'd have come openly," Mu Zhian sighed, shaking his head. Ye Lingxuan's gaze shifted slightly, staring at Mu Zhian. "Could it be there's another reason you can't share?" "Every time I've tried to chat with you at night, you've refused," Mu Zhian pointed out. "That's because Brother Mu always thinks of doing naughty things," Ye Lingxuan immediately rolled her eyes at him. Previously, Mu Zhian had attempted to stay and cozy up in Ye Lingxuan's room a couple of times, taking advantage of the atmosphere, but was always rebuffed by her strong vigilance. "I've never intended to do anything bad. It's a misunderstanding, Lingxuan," Mu Zhian protested helplessly. Ye Lingxuan chuckled, "Dare Brother Mu swear to the heavens?" Oaths weren't needed… Mu Zhian nonchalantly moved closer to Ye Lingxuan and grasped her small hand, playfully continuing the banter, "Did you put on makeup?" Upon closer inspection, Ye Lingxuan had indeed donned a light makeup that evening. Her subtle fragrance mingled with delicate scents of cosmetics, exuding a captivating allure. Even without adornment, Ye Lingxuan was captivating, but with the elegant makeup, she had gained a touch of maturity. "Brother Mu is changing the subject, isn't he?" Ye Lingxuan immediately saw through Mu Zhian's ploy. However, Mu Zhian didn't respond, simply touching her smooth, tender cheek with his palm, his fingers tracing lightly over her elastic, rosy lips. A hint of panic flashed through Ye Lingxuan's eyes, causing her to avert her gaze nervously, "W-what are you doing?" "Why put on lipstick so late at night unless you knew I'd drop by?" Mu Zhian teased, fixating on her eyes. "I just wanted to try this new shade and planned to wipe it off," Ye Lingxuan answered, retrieving a handkerchief. Before she could act, Mu Zhian gently stopped her by the wrist, his gaze locking onto her face, enhanced by the candlelight's warmth—as well as her glossy, petite lips. As Ye Lingxuan instinctively glanced up with a puzzled expression, Mu Zhian picked up her handkerchief, offering, "Let me do it for you." Just as the handkerchief approached her lips, an endearing voice called from outside, "Sister, may I come in?" Upon hearing the voice, Ye Lingxuan perked up instantly, exchanging a glance with Mu Zhian. Under his intent gaze, she attempted to maintain a calm demeanor as she responded, "D-do you need something?"