Chapter - 263 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

She turned her head to look over. When her gaze met Mu Zhi'an's, she playfully blinked, her rosy lips curving into a captivating smile. For some reason, Mu Zhi'an suddenly had a foreboding feeling. "Speaking of which, why is Miss Lan at Tianhe Court? Could it be that tonight's celestial phenomenon worried you about Young Master Mu, so you came to find him?" Ye Siyu asked with an expression of "curiosity." "..." The atmosphere, which had been gradually becoming harmonious, suddenly stalled. Lan Mulian's gaze returned from the bright moon above and cast a cold glance at Mu Zhi'an. "The celestial phenomenon tonight originated from the Glazed Hall. I was curious about who invoked the resonance with the Dao, so I came to see." As she spoke, she unconsciously glanced at Mu Zhi'an, her lips parting slightly, "I just didn't expect so many things to happen as soon as I arrived." "However, tonight wasn't without its gains." Her eyes flickered over to the ring on Mu Zhi'an's hand, and she smiled faintly, "The ring on Young Master Mu's hand is quite interesting; it even has the presence of an artifact spirit." "If I'm not mistaken." Her gaze unintentionally fell on the delicate hand of Ye Lingxuan. "Sister Lingxuan, you seem to be wearing a similar ring?" **Chapter 258: Does Mu Lang Want the Ring or the Finger?** "Was today's lightning tribulation brought on by Lingxuan awakening an artifact spirit, creating a ring with one?" Ye Siyu blinked as she leaned closer to Mu Zhi'an. She observed the ring in his hand, then noted the ring on Ye Lingxuan's slender hand. Narrowing her eyes, she smiled, "So it was a gift prepared for this guy..." "Are you planning to get engaged?" Ye Siyu asked 'curiously.' Ye Lingxuan's cheeks flushed, and she shot a helpless glance at the girl who seemed eager to stir trouble. "It's just that my brother Mu gave me a piece of Amethyst Electric Sacred Rock before, so I made it into jewelry on a whim." "Does Young Master Mu care so much for Sister Lingxuan? If I remember correctly, the Amethyst Electric Sacred Rock is worth at least one hundred thousand spirit stones, and it’s practically priceless." Bai Ruoxi said softly. "Wearing such a valuable ring, people might get some wicked ideas if they saw it." Mu Zhi'an noticed that the cold and gentle Bai beauty's pupils darkened considerably even as she continued to gaze at him with warmth. The implication seemed to be: Do you want the ring or the finger? Ye Qian lowered her head. She was usually an obedient and considerate girl, but she was slightly upset now. Mu Zhi'an felt a chill in his heart, cleared his throat, and said helplessly, "This is related to my previous encounter in the Sword Palace. The Amethyst Electric Sacred Rock was also obtained there." He looked up at Bai Ruoxi and sighed, "Ruoxi, you were receiving an inheritance in the Sword Palace at the time, so perhaps you’re unaware of what happened afterwards with Sister Mengrou and me?" Lan Mulian's expression remained impassive, "What does that have to do with the ring in your hand?" Mu Zhi'an smiled wryly, "The realms within the Sword Palace are complex. At first, Sister Mengrou and I were trapped in one and couldn't escape. It was thanks to Sister Lingxuan that I managed to survive and find the Sword Palace’s self-sealed master." "What does this have to do with me?" Even Ye Lingxuan was puzzled at this point. Wei Mengrou cast a quiet glance at Mu Zhi'an. If this had been in the past, the maid might have exposed him, but tonight she remained silent for some reason. "Sister Lingxuan is a natural spirit body, right?" Mu Zhi'an asked knowingly. Ye Lingxuan gave a soft "hmm." "Actually, after you went to the forbidden zone, I received a physique similar to yours from the Rebirth Pool. Though not as powerful as a true natural spirit body, it helped me find the exit to the Sword Palace's realm, allowing me to discover the treasures within." This explanation should be sufficient, right? Giving Lingxuan the Amethyst Electric Sacred Rock was because her natural spirit body indirectly helped me... Can you all put away your 'locks' now? Mu Zhi'an thought the reason was enough, but Lan Mulian clearly didn't believe him, calmly saying, "Whom Young Master Mu gives gifts to is none of my business, but I am intrigued by the natural spirit body." Isn’t she pretending not to care while actually quite interested? Mu Zhi'an observed the cold and proud Lan Mulian, then suddenly said, "Senior Sister, you possess a Heavenly Fate Sacred Body, and judging by your aura, you’re approaching the pinnacle of the Transcendent Realm, are you not?" Only a handful of people knew of Lan Mulian's level, and she had never mentioned it to Mu Zhi'an. His words brought a flicker of surprise to her icy gaze. "Sister Mengrou is Eighth Level Refining Spirit, Qian’er is Fourth Level Refining Spirit..." Mu Zhi'an listed the levels and cultivation progress of each person, slightly easing the once-tense atmosphere. Then, including Ye Siyu, the group gave Mu Zhi'an curious looks. The natural spirit body is an extraordinary physique. Ye Lingxuan's rapid cultivation speed and combat prowess are due to it. Yet Mu Zhi'an gained a similar physique from a stint in the forbidden zone? Even if it's just a weakened version, it would still be incredibly advantageous in battles and daily life. "If not for this natural spirit body, I might not have escaped the Sword Palace alive. Thus, I am truly grateful to Sister Lingxuan." When Mu Zhi'an said this, he gazed sincerely at Ye Lingxuan. He appeared to be expressing thanks, but his gaze was filled with deep emotion, suggesting that the Amethyst Electric Sacred Rock held more significance than just gratitude. Ye Lingxuan's eyes flickered, and they held each other's gaze for a moment before she shyly lowered her eyes. With the group remaining silent, Mu Zhi'an took the opportunity to communicate secretly with Lan Mulian: "If, one day, Sister desires the Amethyst Electric Sacred Rock, I can give you one." Lan Mulian's eyes, graceful and indifferent, glanced briefly at Mu Zhi'an, her smile carrying a hint of derision as she replied silently, "I'm not interested in the Amethyst Electric Sacred Rock; Young Master Mu should keep it for those who need it." Mu Zhi'an sighed softly and internally, speaking to her again, "I know you're displeased with me tonight. Yet I believe there’s no need for formality between us, especially considering how much you've cared for me in the past, for which I am ever grateful." Lan Mulian examined him with a smile, secretly communicating, "If that’s true, why haven’t you visited Liangyi Peak since returning from the Sword Palace? Why only today?" Mu Zhi'an replied, "After the snow lotus incident, you had quite a misunderstanding about me. I worried that if you found out I had given special spirit stones to someone else..." He hesitated, looking torn. "Do you think I would be jealous?" Lan Mulian silently laughed, "Young Master Mu has quite some confidence in his charm?" Aren't you jealous right now? Mu Zhi'an replied, "Giving gifts doesn't necessarily imply romantic intentions. I simply wanted to clarify matters with you." This evening's complications weren't entirely unwelcome, after all—it provided an opportunity to preemptively address potential misunderstandings. What Mu Zhi'an wanted to express was essentially: If you see me wearing bracelets, rings, and necklaces gifted by various people in the future, don’t misconstrue—I’m not giving these gifts out of love, but rather our amicable relationships... Lan Mulian's eyes briefly flickered, and she responded, "Young Master Mu gives me a gift solely to repay kindness?" Mu Zhi'an gazed silently at Lan Mulian, communicating softly, "You should understand, Senior Sister." Her eyes, black and white, glanced at him and unnoticeably withdrew. "The Ascension Tournament is near, focus should be placed there." She paused, continuing, "Occasional relaxation and outings are fine, but don’t forget about your cultivation." An indirect approval... Mu Zhi'an was pleased, looking at Lan Mulian, whispering, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister. I’ll devote myself to training after." Then, he proceeded to communicate with Bai Ruoxi, Ye Qian, and the others, discussing the gifting of special spirit stones. This approach would allow him to openly wear adornments crafted by others without issues in the future. After communicating with each one, the previously frost-like atmosphere seemed to thaw. Observing this, Mu Zhi'an tactfully spoke up, "Tonight has been eventful, and it’s uncertain when this phenomenon will fade. We should return to meditate for now and wait for it to pass." "Moreover, Sister Mengrou is not in a good condition to be out right now," Mu Zhi'an continued. He was genuinely concerned about Wei Mengrou's situation. Although her fortune simply manifested physically now, who knows if the radiant moon would affect her luck? Moreover, Wei Mengrou is highly sensitive to others’ gazes, being the only one among these radiant beauties shining with dark light, making her highly noticeable. If seen by outsiders, there might be unwelcome gossip. Ye Siyu unconsciously furrowed her brows, casting a suspicious glance at Mu Zhi'an. Although she wasn't sure what Mu Zhi'an had just conveyed, the fiery tension moments ago had certainly cooled down due to something he must have whispered to them. This guy is much more adept than I imagined... Ye Siyu, with her delicate oval face and peach blossom eyes, mused as she studied Mu Zhi'an. Feigning ignorance, Mu Zhi'an communicated softly to Ye Lingxuan: “Lingxuan, you’ve exerted yourself too much tonight. Make sure to rest well when you return; don’t wear yourself out.” Ye Lingxuan gave a soft “hmm,” feeling a little too embarrassed to meet Mu Zhi'an's eyes after the night's events, worried that others might notice something. At this moment, Mu Zhi'an continued to communicate, "Sister Siyu seems to have a bit of a prejudice against me. I’d like to have a chance to converse with her soon, to ensure we can get along well in future. Lingxuan, could you help arrange an opportunity for us?" This aunt will surely be a massive headache, judging by tonight. I'll have to find a way to connect with her, ideally flattering her a bit to prevent her from complaining to my future mother-in-law... Ye Lingxuan snapped out of her thoughts, casting a quick glance at Mu Zhi'an, and replied silently, "I’ll find a way to create an opportunity for you two." She had noticed that Ye Siyu seemed to hold some reservations against Mu Zhi'an, but that was mostly because she didn’t really know him yet. Much like how she herself initially disliked this perceived playboy, deeper interactions showed he wasn’t as bad as he seemed. With the crisis averted, Mu Zhi'an finally breathed a sigh of relief. Watching Ye Lingxuan and the others leave, he turned to head back. Just then, Mu Zhi'an sensed a familiar gaze. He paused, turned, and looked back. Not far from Tianhe Court, a vibrant figure in a red dress came into view. Her light golden hair cascaded down her back, the hemline of her skirt revealing long, smooth, and shapely legs. A black garter encircled her right thigh, creating a faint line on the skin, round and jade-like in its smoothness and elasticity. She stood with a captivating smile, hands behind her back, gazing intently towards Mu Zhi'an. Regina. Besides Lan Mulian, others had naturally noticed that the celestial phenomenon tonight originated from the Glazed Hall, Regina, with her soul-reading physique, being one of them. Most cultivators were drawn to the 'moon' hanging in the sky, but Regina immediately focused on Mu Zhi'an. After all, there was an unfinished deal between them. “Young Master Mu has quite the charm; even Senior Sister Lan knows you,” Regina teased, her voice carrying a playful warmth as it reached Mu Zhi'an's ears. “Miss Regina, aren't you meditating tonight? What brings you to the Glazed Hall?” Mu Zhi'an responded in kind. "With such a big commotion at the Glazed Hall tonight, anyone noticing the source would surely come to see for themselves, no?" Regina replied with a smile, then asked, “Does Young Master Mu know the cause?” Her tender eyes fixed on Mu Zhi'an, framed by the golden hair cascading over her shoulders, invoking an instinctive tenderness at first glance. “I don’t know, though I am curious myself," Mu Zhi'an replied, maintaining a composed demeanor. Regina slightly narrowed her eyes, casually scrutinizing Mu Zhi'an. When the anomaly appeared tonight, she immediately thought of him. Among the many prodigies, only Mu Zhi'an possessed a physique that stood out uniquely. While others’ physiques were tailored for combat, only Mu Zhi'an's was also tailored for combat. "Since Young Master Mu is just as clueless, that's that. The Ascension Tournament is approaching, and idle chats may soon be rare. Why not stop by for tea at my place one of these days?" Regina extended an invitation, her eyes gleaming with gentle affection. After a brief contemplation, Mu Zhi'an finally nodded in agreement. In this domain of the Yin-Yang Sect, even people from the Southern Wasteland had to behave properly. What harm in visiting Regina's current residence? What's the worst that could happen—being physically devoured? "Then I shan't interrupt Young Master Mu's enjoyment tonight. If your partner knows of our chat, she might get upset?" Regina’s melodious voice reached Mu Zhi'an again. “I’m not worried on my end, but if your associates find out about our closeness, won't they beat me up?” Mu Zhi'an replied with a humorous undertone. Having picked up subtle tactics from his experiences with the harmonious yet unassuming Miss Bai, his skill in such conversational games was not lacking. Regina gazed at him, nearly amused, "Is Young Master Mu sowing discord? However, Nigati is merely accompanying us this time. His matters have nothing to do with me.” As she spoke, she glanced casually at the faint pink aura surrounding Mu Zhi'an. His aura was certainly intriguing... Apart from his aura, Mu Zhi'an's spiritual energy tonight seemed slightly diminished. To her, it was both bad news and good news. The bad news being, Mu Zhi'an might have assisted someone in comprehending a trace of Dao rhythm tonight, resulting in the celestial phenomena at the Yin-Yang Sect, triggering the sect’s grand formation to obscure heavenly information. The laws of heaven and earth did not permit soul comprehension. If Mu Zhi'an was indeed involved tonight, the girl who gained Dao insight could become a formidable opponent in the upcoming Ascension Tournament. Yet, the good news is, she could also benefit from the augmentation the natural crucible physique provided. Ideally, that should happen before the Ascension Tournament. Thus, she would have greater confidence in winning. But this required one premise. She must have this man under her sway before the Ascension Tournament. Having countless suitors back in the Southern Wasteland, Regina knew perfectly well how to manipulate hearts.