Chapter - 257 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

The strength of the current court's Grandmaster was shrouded in mystery. Some speculated that the Grandmaster of the Great Qian Dynasty might actually be the sole terrestrial immortal of the era who had understood a wisp of Dao resonance. Outside, snowflakes fluttered down, blanketing the world in a sheet of white. The ground lay covered in snow, and occasionally, a spiritual crane would glide across the snowy sky. In the next moment, it was caught by the fate-defining clutches of a giant dragon and, amidst the song of "aaa," was taken away to Tianhe Courtyard... Mu Zhian sat under the pavilion of Tianhe Courtyard, gazing at the snowflakes outside. He held a cup of hot tea in his hand, exuding the unmistakable aura of nobility. To an onlooker, he seemed to be appreciating the snowy scenery, but in reality, he was pondering his subsequent plans and preparations. Undoubtedly, Mu Zhian currently possessed the highest 'combat power' in the Ascension Gathering. Aside from raw power, he wouldn’t need to exert even the smallest amount of spiritual energy to subdue the girls around him. Let alone the Refining Spirit Stage, even at the Unity Stage, he had previously subdued individuals and given them quite the disciplinary lesson. However, if the girls around him took the "winner can take the natural furnace with them" seriously and participated with earnest, it would be a different ball game for him to handle... But this wasn’t to say that he was without opportunities. In terms of sheer strength, Mu Zhian was on par with those so-called geniuses from the ancient aristocratic families of the Nine Provinces, if not stronger. After all, being a Chaos Body, albeit with few occasions to showcase his power, he had never met defeat against anyone of his realm. The Ascension Gathering had invited prodigious cultivators from across the Nine Provinces, but in truth, only a few contenders were genuine frontrunners for the top spot. Apart from a monk from the Western Region and two other geniuses from different provinces, the rest were individuals Mu Zhian was already familiar with. In other words, once he dealt with those three, the rest of the competitors were people he knew well. This familiarity would make it simpler to manipulate the situation as needed. At the moment, his foremost priority was to further enhance his own strength as much as possible. As for methods... that would require consulting with Master Yan once more. Moreover, the text described in the murals seen at the Sword Palace and the words glimpsed within the Forbidden Mirror piqued Mu Zhian’s curiosity about their true historical origins. Yan Ruyu, learned and well-read since childhood, embodied a teacher brimming with intellect... perhaps she might decipher the origins of those texts. As Mu Zhian prepared to leave, Wei Mengrou, who had remained silently in the corner, coldly remarked, "With the Ascension Gathering looming, are you really going out instead of training?" "I have some matters to attend to before training," Mu Zhian replied with a smile. Wei Mengrou raised an eyebrow, teasingly, "What could be more important than your safety after the Ascension Gathering? Or perhaps you've already decided whom to marry afterward?" Mu Zhian shook his head earnestly, "The results of the Ascension Gathering are important, but Sister Mengrou's affairs take precedence." If he refuses to tell the truth, so be it... Wei Mengrou gave him a sidelong glance, uninterested in further engagement. Mu Zhian smiled but remained silent. Sometimes, telling the truth only made people skeptical. Chapter 254: Returning the Rebirth Aura 8.5K Leaving Tianhe Courtyard, Mu Zhian sailed on his sword to Shaole Courtyard, where he encountered a woman just stepping out of a side courtyard. Dressed in an opulent dark-gold coat paired with a white gown, her flowing black locks seemed meticulously styled, adorned with a delicate gold hairpin. A luxurious necklace hung from her jade-like neck, contrasting her porcelain skin. She wore black embroidered shoes, her figure tall and alluring. Her attire was extravagant and noble, the kind that only someone from royalty could effortlessly embody. Indeed, on anyone else, such lavish garb might appear overwrought, but on this beautiful woman, it only added to her grace and attractiveness. Having seen her once before, Mu Zhian recognized her immediately. The elder princess of the Great Qian Dynasty, Yongning. True to her royal upbringing, only such a poised elder princess could carry off this kind of attire. Accompanying Yongning were two maids, their outfits understated yet, from their restrained aura, Mu Zhian could deduce that they were likely at the Refining Spirit Stage, tasked with protecting the princess. Besides them, an elder stood not too far away, likely in charge of the princess's protection from the shadows. As Mu Zhian observed the elder princess, Yongning also seemed to sense his gaze, lifting her head to meet it. Her eyes sparkled, and her lips curved into a charming smile, her voice resonant and melodious like crystalline jade, "Young Master Mu, it's been a while." "Princess Yongning as well, it seems it's been a few months since our last meeting," Mu Zhian replied with a smile. Princess Yongning regarded him for a moment, then beamed warmly, "Young Master Mu's strength seems even mightier than before. I gather you've stepped into the Refining Spirit Stage—congratulations." "It was just luck in finding my Dao," Mu Zhian modestly responded. Cultivating the energy into spirit, the critical step was finding one's 'Dao', and Mu Zhian had discovered that enhancing his own physique was his 'Dao'. While he couldn't yet overpower foes with just his physical prowess, most cultivators of the same stage would likely struggle under a close-quarters assault from him. Even the renowned Yao Meng Immortal had been caught off guard when he got near her. In the most literal sense, of course. "Is Princess Yongning here to see Master Yan?" Mu Zhian inquired, changing the topic. Princess Yongning nodded slightly, "With merely days until the Ascension Gathering, I had a few matters to discuss with Master Yan." "What a coincidence, I also have some things to consult with Master Yan," Mu Zhian said with a smile. Yet, he found himself growing fonder of this elegant and graceful elder princess. Not just for her looks, but because she wasn’t merely ornamental; she knew about his advancement to the Refining Spirit Stage... which implied she had eyes within the Two Instruments Sect. Or perhaps, Princess Yongning herself was at the Refining Spirit Stage, possessing a unique physique that allowed her to discern his current realm. "A few days ago, the Sacred Land of Yaochi was rather tumultuous. I hope to have the chance to invite Young Master Mu for a cup of tea soon," Princess Yongning's smile was enchanting. "Certainly, next time for sure." Nodding as he smiled, Mu Zhian then took his leave from Princess Yongning. His statement wasn't just perfunctory; he was genuinely intrigued by the elder princess and thought a future meeting might be worth pursuing. As he considered this, Mu Zhian entered Shaole Courtyard. Inside the hall, Yan Ruyu held a slim book, her flowing black robe artfully concealing her alluring figure, while a steaming cup of tea sat on the table beside her. Noticing Mu Zhian's presence, Yan Ruyu looked up, and he greeted her with a sunny smile. "Master Yan, I hope my sudden visit isn't intruding?" Mu Zhian asked. Yan Ruyu smiled lightly, "After the commotion you caused today, I suspected you might come seeking me." She poured a cup of tea for Mu Zhian and invited him to sit down, "What brings you to see me today?" Slightly sobering his smile, Mu Zhian proceeded to write out the mysterious texts he had seen in the Sword Palace and Forbidden Zone on paper. "I wish to ask if Master Yan knows which dynasty these writings originate from," he explained. Yan Ruyu merely glanced at the papers, her delicate eyebrows slightly raised as she softly remarked, "What a coincidence." "Princess Yongning was just here, inquiring about the same matter." Curiosity piqued, Mu Zhian asked, "Did Princess Yongning also ask about these texts?" Yan Ruyu shook her head, "She did not ask about the texts you wrote, but inquired about the topic of ill-fate physiques." Mu Zhian's eyes flickered with curiosity, "Why would she inquire about that out of the blue?" "Ancient books sometimes documented that before a dynasty's decline, a cultivator with an ill-fate physique would appear. It seems Princess Yongning's visit concerns such matters." "Still, an individual's fortune cannot truly influence an entire dynasty's fate. The looming fall of the Great Qian Dynasty would more likely stem from the current emperor's neglect in governance combined with his unwillingness to relinquish power," Yan Ruyu mused with a gentle smile. In Eastern Continent, the Great Qian Dynasty held a prestigious status. However, every reigning emperor eventually faced mortality, leading to a regular transfer of power every century. The current emperor was fixated on cultivating, refusing to delegate authority. The extravagant celestial materials and treasures consumed had drained the national treasury. In this sense, the Great Qian Dynasty’s decline was closely tied to the present emperor. Attributing the dynasty's decline to the ill-fate physique seems unsupported for now. Yan Ruyu paused briefly before continuing, "But this matter has little to do with Yongning, as she holds no power within the court. Her inquiries were merely out of curiosity, and not targeted at your maid." Wei Mengrou’s string of misfortune was undeniably peculiar, an observation known to the esteemed leaders who had witnessed her fate. Thus, when Yan Ruyu noticed Mu Zhian deep in thought, she realized that he was likely thinking about the maidservant in question. Mu Zhian snapped back to reality and nodded, "Does Master Yan know from which dynasty these two scripts originate?" Yan Ruyu gently shook her head, "I have never seen them before." Mu Zhian felt a pang of disappointment at her words. However, it stood to reason; the cultivation world typically paid little mind to mundane affairs. Dynastic changes had little impact on the Two Instruments Sect as long as the Great Qian Dynasty did not act against the cosmic order, maintaining their neutrality. Unwilling to give up, Mu Zhian pressed on, "I heard that every dynasty that perishes witnesses the emergence of an ill-fate physique. Isn't that a bit too coincidental?" Yan Ruyu nodded slightly, "It is indeed a coincidence. However... I've never heard of a person's fortune impacting an entire dynasty's fate. Logically, if someone's misfortune was truly that catastrophic, the heavens would swiftly impose divine punishment." "The heavens punish those with misfortune?" Mu Zhian was taken aback, internally questioning whether the celestial powers were meddling too much. If someone was inherently unlucky, what could they do? Would being excessively unfortunate lead to divine retribution? Yan Ruyu shook her head, "The probability of divine punishment is minimal. In the history of the Nine Provinces, such instances are exceedingly rare. Only when a person's misfortune could genuinely influence an entire dynasty’s fate would the heavens consider such a measure." That seemed unrelated to Sister Mengrou, Mu Zhian thought. If her misfortune were genuinely that severe, divine punishment would have already occurred... His mind eased somewhat. "Does the sect have any books regarding divine punishment from the heavens?" Mu Zhian inquired. "I recall seeing something in the library. If you're interested, I can retrieve it for you later," Yan Ruyu offered with a smile. "I am grateful, Master Yan," Mu Zhian replied with thanks. Shifting the discussion, Yan Ruyu continued, "Whether the Great Qian Dynasty falls is irrelevant to us. If any trouble arises later, feel free to discuss it with me. Courtesy is unnecessary between us." Not only was she knowledgeable, but also deeply caring for her disciples... Mu Zhian felt touched as he looked at Master Yan’s intellectually radiant and elegant presence. "Master, have you surpassed a bottleneck?" Mu Zhian asked, changing to a lighter topic. Yan Ruyu's flawless face lit with an enchanting smile, "Thanks to the Azure Emperor, I have, and I anticipate no further issues for the time being." Mu Zhian nodded in relief, "That's good... If you need assistance in the future, I’ll do my utmost to help." Yan Ruyu gave Mu Zhian a profound look, a hint of internal conflict in her eyes, before nodding with a smile, "I believe opportunities will arise in the future." Mu Zhian's deep respect made her feel guilty as she recalled previous thoughts about exploiting his natural furnace. Now, such considerations felt truly embarrassing. Shifting her focus slightly, Yan Ruyu changed the subject, "The Azure Emperor's rebirth holds significant implications for Eastern Continent. If you have cultivation inquiries, feel free to ask." She paused, then added, "Is she still residing within your body?" Mu Zhian slightly nodded, "She needs to absorb spiritual energy from my natural furnace." This reminder sparked something in Yan Ruyu's mind. After a moment’s hesitation, she glanced at her disciple, "Logically, the Azure Emperor, having lost her spiritual energy, would struggle to consolidate a furnace without help." "Unless... external spiritual energy assists in the process." "Could it be that you and she..." Her gaze lingered meaningfully on Mu Zhian. Though she left the statement unfinished, the implication was clear: Have you dual-cultivated with the Azure Emperor? Given his ‘respect’ for this master, Mu Zhian did not hide the truth, "The situation was urgent at the time, so..." Even with prior mental preparation, Yan Ruyu couldn't help but feel a stir upon hearing this — a mix of surprise and understanding filled her eyes. Apparently, it wasn't just her; even the Azure Emperor had chosen this course... No wonder the Azure Emperor had granted celestial fortunes to the leading women. It served a dual purpose... In simpler terms, the Yao Dream Immortal intended to keep exclusive benefits. Yan Ruyu's eyes shimmered subtly as she gave Mu Zhian a meaningful look. Then she suddenly asked, "When did you meet the Saintess of the Xuan Yin Palace? A senior accompanying her visited me today, inquiring about where you're staying." Mu Zhian’s mind turned, "Miss Lin is at the Two Instruments Sect?" "She arrived yesterday, but the Xuan Yin Palace maintains a low profile, so few have noticed," Yan Ruyu replied. Mu Zhian nodded slightly, "Understood. I'll make sure to meet her later. Miss Lin probably intends to thank me for aiding her at the Sword Palace." Just as Mu Zhian suspected, Lin Keyu was a rather shy noblewoman. Even if she planned to gift him the meticulously crafted Aurora Necklace, it would be done privately. Otherwise, she could have openly come to the Tianhe Courtyard today. He pondered when the immortal lady from the Yaochi side might arrive and how they might fashion the aurora crystal into an ornament... Such thoughts occupied Mu Zhian's mind. After an intimate teacher-disciple conversation with Yan Ruyu in Shaole Courtyard, Mu Zhian prepared to leave. Just before departing, something seemed to occur to Mu Zhian. He reached into his storage ring and presented a gleaming red crystal to Yan Ruyu. "In hindsight, Master Yan has done much for me, and I have yet to repay such kindness. I realize the Blood Condensation Stone's value pales compared to what you've done for me, but please accept it as a token of my gratitude."