Chapter - 271 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

As soon as they saw the box in their hands react, the young saint and priestess from the World Sea had an absurd thought flash through their minds. How could this be possible? At the center of the World Sea is a huge island with sculptures depicting the original witch. And without a doubt, the statue of the original witch is of a woman. Yet now, something in this box is reacting to a man...? This means the person in question could very well be the original witch...or someone who had a close connection with her in the past. But the era of the original witch dates back over ten thousand years. How could a newly inducted cultivator possibly be related to her? Gu Hua furrowed his brows, staring at the black-and-gold robed youth not far from him, and hesitantly said, “It's a bit strange. Why would the box left by the original witch react to a male cultivator?” Tang Sufei, elegant in her flowing blue dress, also knitted her brows, looking uncertainly at Mu Zhian. After a moment of hesitation, she resolutely decided and started walking towards Mu Zhian with the box. On the other side, Ye Lingxuan was quietly chatting with Mu Zhian. She noticed their approach and looked up with a slight smile, saying, “Is there something you need from us?” “I was discussing some cultivation methods with Brother Mu, so…” Ye Lingxuan subtly conveyed her meaning. Mu Zhian glanced at the young woman beside him with amusement, understanding her words perfectly. Ye Lingxuan practiced methods inherited from the Reincarnation Empress. The thought of actually being able to guide her on them was laughable. However, he still felt gratified that she chose to say so, recalling her cold demeanor when they first met, with her haughty stance of “you'd better stay away from my sister,” as elegant and proud as a swan. Now...although she maintained her graceful demeanor, it was obvious she had softened after falling for him. Gu Hua couldn't help but feel a bit helpless watching this scene. He soon gathered his thoughts, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and smiled, saying, “Apologies for interrupting you two, but if possible, I would like Young Master Mu to take a test as well.” Seeing Ye Lingxuan's puzzled expression, Tang Sufei quickly explained, “The obsidian box has shown a reaction to Young Master Mu.” Ye Lingxuan was taken aback and instinctively looked at the ancient box in Tang Sufei’s hands. The box exuded an ancient aura after being weathered by time. Neither she nor Ye Siyu had elicited any reaction from the box during their tests. However, now it was slightly trembling, almost as if trying to escape Tang Sufei's grip. Understanding their intent, Ye Lingxuan, in disbelief, asked the two, “Are you suggesting he might be the original witch...?” Tang Sufei gave a wry smile and raised the box to Mu Zhian, looking into his eyes, “If it were only possible, I wouldn’t believe it either. But the fact is, the box only reacted after Young Master Mu entered the courtyard.” “Young Master Mu, would you mind giving it a try?” As he listened to the three of them, Mu Zhian began to clear the situation in his mind. The term ‘witch’ was actually a compliment in the realm of the Nine Provinces. In the past, the World Sea had no leader, and various factions were embroiled in constant conflict. Deep within the sea, ominous creatures also lurked, waiting to strike. Everything changed when a powerful individual attained unity with the Dao and ended the chaos. She subdued the ominous beings and united the factions. The elders of these ancient powers were influential enough to cause tremors in the Nine Provinces, yet they willingly submitted to the original witch's leadership. People were curious about her origins, identity, and even her appearance, but since she always wore a hooded cloak, no one had ever seen her face. Even those who had seen her seemed to magically forget afterward. One day, the original witch mysteriously disappeared, and only later did people learn that this once land-bound immortal had become one with the Dao within mere years, breaking through the barriers of heaven and earth. “You suspect me of being the original witch?” Mu Zhian couldn't help but ask. This was utterly ridiculous. The World Sea's past ruler was supposed to be the original witch, not an original wizard. What use was there in testing a male cultivator? Besides, the World Sea was notoriously difficult to navigate, severely restricting any cultivator's powers. So why were they now searching for the trace of the original witch? Could something have gone wrong within the World Sea...? Tang Sufei shook her head, “Naturally, I don’t believe Young Master Mu is the original witch. However, since the box shows a connection with you, it suggests that even if you are not the original witch, you might have some association with her.” “Brother Mu, if you don’t wish to test it, I can ask them to leave.” Ye Lingxuan suddenly communicated inwardly. Mu Zhian turned to the young woman beside him, then replied inwardly, “I appreciate your concern, Lingxuan, but I am a bit curious as to why this item reacts to me at all.” Since it wouldn’t take too much time, it might be worth a try. Mu Zhian extended his hand, lightly touching the box in Tang Sufei's hands. “Inject a strand of aura into it,” Gu Hua advised, “It will determine if you have a link to the original witch.” Mu Zhian nodded slightly before infusing a small strand of his aura into the jet-black box. The box absorbed the aura, its deep black surface faintly glowing. As his aura entered it, it traced out intricate patterns on its surface. And that was it. After a stick of incense time passed, the box remained inert, showing no further reaction. As Tang Sufei discreetly relaxed, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Relieved that the venerated predecessor she admired wasn’t a 'male witch,' she nonetheless regretted having to continue searching for the original witch's whereabouts. But given the vastness of the Eastern Continent, who knew when they would find her? “This box resonated with Young Master Mu, but didn’t react to his aura…” Gu Hua mused, eyebrow raised, puzzling over this new twist. Moreover, the box, which had reacted to Mu Zhian, calmed down once he infused it with aura. This peculiarity was equally curious. Regardless, Mu Zhian’s test ended inconclusively, and the two could not impose further. Tang Sufei smiled, saying, “Apologies for taking up your time, Young Master Mu. If there is an opportunity, perhaps we can discuss cultivation over tea another day.” Mu Zhian smiled back with a nod, yet he couldn’t help but glance at the box in Tang Sufei’s hands. According to what they had said earlier, the box had shown a connection with him. Yet, after receiving his aura, it stopped responding… This was intriguing. “Could I take another look at the box in your hands, Miss Tang?” Mu Zhian asked. “Of course,” Tang Sufei replied with a smile. Receiving the box, Mu Zhian felt its textured surface akin to steel, smoothly polished, much like a rare gem. Gazing intently, he noticed a shadowy luminescence swirling on its surface. The aura he had infused earlier had not dissipated, swimming across the box like a tiny fish in the water. Mu Zhian tried placing his hand on the surface, attempting to open the lid. Tang Sufei promptly explained, “It can’t be opened by force. Our clan elders have tried various methods, but none succeeded in unlocking it.” “The Great Elder mentioned that only by the original witch's approval could it be opened. But given her solitary nature, perhaps only she could open it,” Gu Hua added with a hint of regret. Past rumors suggested that the box held the original witch's legacy, and whoever could open it would inherit her will and become the World Sea’s new master. To this end, the World Sea held several gatherings, inviting numerous prodigies to try their hand. All attempts failed, leaving the box unopened. Mu Zhian wasn’t ready to give up. He injected another aura strand into the box, carefully controlling the aura, attempting to pry open the lid delicately as if peeling layers from an onion. However, just seconds later, the aura he injected dissipated unnoticed, as if it never existed. “It’s been attempted before; using the aura is ineffective in opening it,” Tang Sufei clarified. “Young Master Mu, if it were that simple, we wouldn’t have brought the box all the way to the Eastern Continent to find someone who can open it,” Gu Hua added with a chuckle. Mu Zhian, despite his admirable appearance, seemed a bit stubborn. It was clear that the other side had tried every possible method to open the box left by the original witch to no avail, which forced them to leave the World Sea and come to the Eastern Continent to find its rightful owner. According to the current hypothesis, the one who can open this box must have some connection with the original witch. Even though it wasn't clear why the box reacted to Mu Zhian earlier, it seemed he was not the person they were searching for. Seeing Mu Zhian attempt to open the box with brute force after failing to infuse it with spiritual energy, Gu Hua frowned and was about to retrieve the box from his hands. Crack. As Mu Zhian's hand touched the surface, the box emitted an ancient and heavy sound without any exertion from him. A wisp of dark mist silently seeped from the box. Gu Hua's pupils shrank as he stared at the box, now slightly ajar in Mu Zhian’s hands. How could it open so easily...? In the past, elders had tried hundreds of methods, including brute force, none of which had any effect. Yet here was Mu Zhian, opening it effortlessly with mere force? Tang Sufei parted her lips in astonishment. Her eyes, too, filled with a brightness never seen before, brimmed with excitement as she looked at Mu Zhian. He indeed has some connection with the original witch! Her gaze quickly fixated on the box in Mu Zhian's hand. The box had been in the World Sea for a very long time, sparking curiosity among many about its contents. And now, they would finally see what it contained! Ye Lingxuan was equally surprised, her eyes flitting from Mu Zhian’s handsome profile to the box in his hands, for some reason she felt an ominous sensation. Being endowed with a natural spiritual body, she sensed a dangerous aura emanating from the opened box. It wasn’t just Ye Lingxuan; Mu Zhian also felt it immediately. As soon as the box was slightly ajar, a swarm of icy cold chills swept through his heart, as if he was standing in an eternal winter. The box was like Pandora’s Box, filled with temptation. Even though opening just a small crack already warned of danger, the urge to fully uncover its mysteries was almost overwhelming. Mu Zhian hesitated for a moment, then decided against it, closing it back up. Gu Hua, noticing this, asked, “Brother Mu, what’s wrong?” They were so close to seeing its contents, yet he chose to close it at the crucial moment... This left Gu Hua in turmoil, wishing he could force Mu Zhian’s hand to open it. Tang Sufei said nothing but kept her watchful eyes on Mu Zhian, her gaze expressing confusion and anxiousness. “Are you sure there’s no danger inside?” Mu Zhian asked them. The box carried a dangerous aura. Though he didn’t know what was inside, his intuition told him it was best left unopened. The two exchanged glances, and Tang Sufei urged, “Young Master Mu, this is the box left by the original witch for someone destined to open it. Since you’re that person, why not see what she left for future generations?” Ye Lingxuan suddenly spoke, “There seems to be danger within.” Tang Sufei hesitated for a moment, “If the Elder were here, with her guarding, we wouldn't have these concerns.” Upon hearing this, Gu Hua looked at Mu Zhian and suggested, “Brother Mu, perhaps you should accompany us to find our elder, so they might guard you?” Mu Zhian pondered briefly before his gaze fell on Ye Lingxuan. “Lingxuan…” Ye Lingxuan seemed to know what Mu Zhian was about to say. She nodded slightly, glancing at the woman not far from them. At that moment, a calm and melodious voice responded to Ye Lingxuan’s look, “Open it, I will guard you.” Instinctively, they all looked over to find a mature woman standing by the pond. Her waterfall-like hair was loose, wearing a simple white robe, with eyes as cold and splendid, seemingly devoid of any emotional ripple. Gu Hua felt a tremor of respect as he glanced at this woman. Her aura was much stronger than the elder accompanying them. The Reincarnation Empress, or rather, the ‘puppet’ Ye Lingxuan had created in the past. With her assurance, Mu Zhian felt at ease, yet he inwardly called out, “Yao Meng?” There was no response, suggesting she might be asleep. “Goddess?” He tried calling again within his mind. Still, there was no answer. Looks like she really is sleeping... Mu Zhian quickly calmed his thoughts, focusing on the box in his hand. With a slight exertion of his thumb, he slowly lifted the lid. Everyone’s eyes locked onto the sealed box. Gu Hua's breath quickened with anticipation. A thousand years! For millennia, no one had unraveled the box left by the original witch, but now, this mystery was finally about to be solved!