Chapter - 262 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Title: Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists - Chapter 272** Author: ccc "You should at least consider the Mu family's interests, even if you don't think about yourself." Lan Muling slightly raised her elegant eyebrows, on the verge of speaking. At that moment, a melodious voice suddenly spoke from behind: "Shouldn't you also consider the Great Qian Dynasty?" The voice was calm and soft, but the underlying threat was enough to make one shiver. Someone actually dared to threaten the Great Qian Dynasty?! Such absurd words caused the Grand Tutor to squint his eyes in disbelief as he turned around to see who had spoken. In the snow-lit night, a girl dressed in a purple gown, exuding an elegantly traditional charm, stood quietly, her gaze serene as it fixed upon the two of them. "And who might you be?" he inquired. Beside the girl, a young woman in a dark gown, her expression playful, tossed him a token, saying, "If you have any issues, you can discuss them with my brother-in-law in the forbidden area, should he be willing to see you." The Grand Tutor froze momentarily, then his gaze hardened at the sight of the insignia on the token, looking at Ye Siyu with a mix of shock and awe, "From the forbidden area?" "The person you're looking for is over there, not me," Ye Siyu retrieved the token and gestured towards the girl with a tilt of her chin. The Grand Tutor hesitated briefly, then his eyes widened in realization, "Are you the Sage Maiden of the forbidden area?!" The aura of this girl in purple was undeniably different from ordinary people. The dark-gowned girl beside her already held a significant position in the forbidden area. Anyone higher must be the Sage Maiden. If such remarks had come from an ordinary person's mouth, the Grand Tutor would have dismissed them with a chuckle. But when it involved the forbidden area, they indeed had no fear of the Great Qian Dynasty... However, it was unexpected that the Sage Maiden would intervene for a mere sect disciple... The Grand Tutor furrowed his brows, advisedly saying, "Miss Ye, this is a matter of national importance, not to be taken lightly—" In his view, Mu Zhian and Ye Lingxue might just be good friends within the sect. Even if she was the Sage Maiden, the forbidden area wouldn't involve itself in a conflict with the Great Qian Dynasty over someone irrelevant. Ye Lingxue looked towards Mu Zhian, coincidentally catching his gaze. Behind him, not far away, Lan Muling and Bai Ruoxi were also observing the scene. It was clear that if she hadn't been here tonight, Senior Sister Lan might have spoken those words anyway. Even without Senior Sister Lan, others would have stepped up to dismiss them. So her timing was just right. As the Grand Tutor continued to speak with a hint of persuasion, Ye Lingxue softly and tenderly looked at Mu Zhian, her voice steady, "Mu Brother and I are Dao partners." Abruptly, there was a silence as if the atmosphere had frozen in place. Bai Ruoxi was taken aback, tilting her head slightly, her eyes dark and inquisitive. Lan Muling raised her eyebrows slightly, choosing to remain silent. Ye Siyu, amused by Ye Lingxue's words, watched everyone's reactions with a gaze filled with deeper meaning. Ye Qian didn't seem surprised; after a brief moment of shock, her eyes even held a hint of excitement. Under the bemused gazes of those around, Ye Lingxue turned her attention back to the Grand Tutor and his companion. "Is this reason sufficient?" **Chapter 257: Aunt Wishes You Were Dead!** What the heck… What is Lingxue trying to pull?! Late at night, as Mu Zhian heard that clear and calm voice along with the sudden chill in the air, he nearly lost his grip on his facial expressions, struggling to maintain composure. Wearing a white palace dress, Bai Ruoxi gazed softly at Mu Zhian, her eyes clear as a cold pond, filled with confusion and a dark undercurrent. As if asking: If Lingxue is your Dao partner, then what am I? Ye Siyu narrowed her eyes slightly, discerning the subtle yet intense tension beneath the quiet atmosphere, observing Mu Zhian with a playful glance. Indeed, this trip to the Liangyi Sect had not been in vain. Lan Muling continued to remain silent, her expression serene and aloof, her eyes shining with amusement. Ye Qian lowered her gaze slightly, leaving one guessing at her true emotions. The silence lasted only a few seconds before Mu Zhian lifted his head, naturally smiling at Ye Lingxue, "Lingxue, why are you out so late?" This statement seemed to acknowledge their relationship, but it didn't. It was merely a performance for the Grand Tutor and his companion. More accurately, for the beautiful women present. The purpose was to convey a message to them through his question: Lingxue and I are merely acting. Of course, achieving this required Ye Lingxue's cooperation... Mu Zhian smiled at Ye Lingxue, though he didn't speak, he felt cold sweat forming on his back, silently vowing to be more cautious in the future. But truth be told, if it weren't for the Grand Tutor and his companion, things wouldn't have escalated. Were these two taught by Ye Yu? They're no good at anything but inadvertently causing chaos... If they hadn't paid a sudden visit to Tianhe Courtyard tonight, causing such a commotion at the gate, Ye Lingxue wouldn't have revealed things so straightforwardly. However, not all hope was lost. If Ye Lingxue were to say, "Weren't we together tonight?" things would become quite awkward for Mu Zhian. But Lingxue is a girl with dignity and a sense of shame. She wouldn't respond that way. Just as Mu Zhian expected, after hearing his words, Ye Lingxue smiled warmly, "With all the commotion tonight, I was worried about you, Brother Mu, so I came to check on you." Indeed... Mu Zhian silently breathed a sigh of relief, discreetly glancing at Bai Ruoxi, noting that the depths in her eyes seemed to have receded. Lan Muling, though not emotionally savvy, managed her expressions well and had her face veiled, making her current expression indiscernible. However, Ye Qian's behavior tonight was peculiar. Finding her brother's relationship with her sister 'normal', she should be relieved, but instead, there seemed to be a hint of... disappointment? Mu Zhian couldn't quite decipher Qian'er's slightly regretful look. Nonetheless, a crisis had smoothly been averted. His guess was correct. Lingxue, being a girl with immense pride, wouldn't publicly declare they were in the same room for most of the night... After all, admitting that, combined with the evening's celestial phenomenon, would indirectly suggest they engaged in dual cultivation. Although there were some unexpected turns, everything proceeded as planned... A faint smile appeared on Mu Zhian's face. He appeared to be in disarray, but in reality, he was as steady as an old dog. Nearby, the Grand Tutor watched Mu Zhian with changing expressions, his gaze then lingering on Ye Lingxue. He, too, couldn't be ignorant of the forbidden area's influence. In many respects, although the Great Qian Dynasty occupied most of the Eastern Continent, no one dared provoke a behemoth like the forbidden area. If His Majesty learned they offended the forbidden area over a woman suspected of bringing misfortune, heads might roll. It seemed retreat was the only viable option tonight... Had it been just a disciple of the Liangyi Sect, they might have gotten permission from the law enforcement hall to bring her back to the Great Qian Dynasty for evaluation by the national teacher. But now, with the Sage Maiden's intervention... the outcome was clear. The Grand Tutor sighed inwardly. Still, this wasn't a complete loss; at least it revealed the immense backing behind Mu Zhian... Previously, there had been rumors of a disciple from the Liangyi Sect accompanying Ye Lingxue to the forbidden area, but naturally, few believed them. Now, it seemed those rumors held truth. And the person who went to the forbidden area with Ye Lingxue was Mu Zhian. At that moment, the companion at the Grand Tutor's side fixated on Mu Zhian, suddenly questioning, "Wait a minute... If you are in a Dao partnership with the Sage Maiden, why are there other women residing in your abode?!" How could a proud woman like the Sage Maiden allow her partner to have intimate relations with other women, even cohabitating?! Bai Ruoxi cast Mu Zhian a meaningful glance before responding calmly, "That's a matter between Lingxue and me, none of your concern." Her gaze then rested gently on Mu Zhian as she continued softly, "You've been busy throughout the night, I imagine something happened, right? I was really worried about you, Mu Lang." As Bai Ruoxi finished speaking, her gentle gaze swept over those present. She gracefully stepped out of the courtyard, her pure white gown clinging to her elegant form as the night wind blew, her gentle eyes leaving no doubt about the sincerity of her words. The accompanying reader's worldview seemed shattered, his eyes filled with incredulity and absurdity as he stared intently at Mu Zhian. To him, having one Sage Maiden from the forbidden area was already enviable enough. And yet, this man was not only associated with the forbidden area's Sage Maiden but also had close relations with another beauty...? At this point, the Grand Tutor, fearing any offense to Ye Lingxue, promptly placed a hand on the companion's shoulder to stop him from speaking further. His heart was aflame with frustration. If not for this companion bringing him here so recklessly without investigating the manor's owner, how could he have found himself in such a situation? "Tonight, it seems the Dragon King's temple has indeed been flooded. My Prince's companion failed to investigate the host before bringing me here. We shall visit another day to apologize together," the Grand Tutor spoke with genuine sincerity. Lan Muling didn't even lift her eyelids as she coldly replied, "This is the Liangyi Sect, not the Great Qian Dynasty. There's no need for you to apologize here. It's best if you leave tonight." Her words were decidedly unwelcoming, making it clear the visitors were expected to leave, which naturally fueled a mix of anger and defiance in the companion's heart. Just as he was about to speak, he caught a glimpse of Lan Muling's calm, clear eyes, causing him to pause, fear crawling over him. Return to the Void Realm?! Previously, his attention had been drawn to Wei Mengrou, and he hadn't noticed this young woman had reached Return to the Void Realm?! The Grand Tutor's gaze slightly narrowed, recalling the recent gossip. Recently, Lan Muling's breakthrough into the Return to the Void realm had become well-known, news reaching even the Great Qian Dynasty. Naturally, as the Crown Prince's tutor, he was well aware. She was the sole disciple of the Liangyi Sect's leader, a title that was itself enough to garner favor and alliances. However, he had not anticipated finding her at a sect disciple's manor. It was a misjudgment... The Grand Tutor shook his head and sighed inwardly, cupped his fists in respect, and left with the companion, quite crestfallen. At this moment, the aura of luck clung to both men. The companion bore no luster, while the Grand Tutor emanated a faint red glow, signifying his vastly superior fortune compared to ordinary people. As the two outsiders departed, the gaze of those present naturally fell upon Mu Zhian. Mu Zhian, aware of their stares, feigned ignorance, looking up at the tribulation clouds in the sky, his expression troubled as he asked, "When will this anomaly end?" Except for Mu Zhian, everyone present was enveloped in a faint golden light, akin to a sacred aura. This was fortune. Only Mu Zhian stood out, his pink glow appearing enchantingly vivid and particularly dynamic, flashing intensely. Lan Muling responded calmly, "The heads have already activated the sect's grand array. Soon, this anomaly won't affect the Liangyi Sect anymore, and it will likely dissipate shortly." Mu Zhian appeared contemplative, then glanced at the group, noticing their attention was indeed drawn to the celestial 'moon' above. Taking the chance, he transmitted a message, "Sister Lingxue, you should head back first. I'll come by tomorrow." Ye Lingxue's delicate brows knitted slightly. She glanced at Bai Ruoxi, then lingered momentarily on Lan Muling. While she was somewhat reluctant to leave just yet, with Wei Mengrou's exaggerated misfortune lingering, it wasn't suitable to further engage in any other activities. Moreover, having shared some intimate moments with Mu Zhian tonight, she wasn't keen on making it public knowledge. With these thoughts, Ye Lingxue gently nodded. Mu Zhian felt a weight lift from his heart. Though unexpected events unfolded tonight, with proper handling, such surprises could be managed. Lingxue understood and cared for Brother Mu, as a good sister would, and naturally wouldn't make things difficult for him. As for the so-called Shura field, Mu Zhian indeed had no concrete way of handling it. The only solution was to prevent it from forming in the first place. In this regard, Mu Zhian had experience. After all, tackling one issue at a time was the way to go. Girls, when grouped, could be formidable, but as long as he dealt with them individually, the difficulty level was significantly reduced. Indeed, voice transmission was a wonderful ability... Mu Zhian mused inwardly, a faint smile appearing on his face. Just as Ye Siyu was about to leave, she paused, her black dress gently fluttering with the movement.