Chapter - 273 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Mu Zhian earnestly nodded in agreement, "Please rest assured, I swear, if this black box contains the legacy of the Primordial Witch, I will place it back as it is." With Mu Zhian's oath, even witnessed by the Dao, the two naturally developed a significant fondness for his generosity. After casually chatting for a while, Gu Hua couldn't hold back his curiosity and sent a voice transmission, "Brother Mu, what's your relationship with Miss Ye? I recall hearing you already have a Dao partner..." "Ling Xuan is my beloved sister," Mu Zhian replied via transmission. Gu Hua's eyes flickered slightly, “And if someone pursues her—” Mu Zhian hesitated, "Did you really believe what I casually said?" Did you think you could become my brother-in-law just because I made an offhand comment? Gu Hua: "..." He quickly realized, laughing freely, "See you at the Ascension Conference." ... After watching the two leave, Mu Zhian returned the peach blossom and paper crane to the black box. After everything that transpired today, Mu Zhian wasn't in the mood to 'guide' Ye Siyu. He chatted with Ye Lingxuan in the secluded garden before preparing to leave with the black box. "Brother Mu, during this trip to the Martial World, I'm unsure if the Time Lock of Desolation can still pinpoint you, so be cautious," Ye Lingxuan suddenly reminded. In the Martial World, the formations impose restrictions, and the Elders of the Two Instruments Sect monitor secretly, making it inconvenient for her to intervene. After all, most people are unaware of the ancestral artifact in Ye Lingxuan’s possession, and during the Ascension Conference, the Time Lock of Desolation will be one of her most significant advantages. Mu Zhian's steps paused slightly. He turned and smiled warmly, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." "Let Siyu know that I have some matters to attend to today and can't meet her," Mu Zhian continued. After watching Ye Lingxuan nod obediently, Mu Zhian finally turned and exited Dexin Courtyard. Only then did a fraction of the smile on his face fade away, as he silently pulled out the paper crane he had received not long ago. Just by the handwriting alone, he couldn't discern the identity of the Primordial Witch. But if the phrase 'Long time no see' on the crane was directed at him, it meant the Primordial Witch knew him. "Long time no see," the phrase seemed like a deliberate greeting from someone. Not even a Dao Integration realm cultivator could perceive a future millennium to know the black box would end up in his hands. Then, could it be... a reincarnator? If it's a reincarnator, it explains everything. The title of 'Reincarnator' didn't appear without reason before. There truly was a reincarnator near me, and only today has she surfaced... Could the Primordial Witch still be alive even now? At that moment, as thoughts raced through Mu Zhian's mind, he felt the paper crane in his hand responding, as if it wanted to escape his grasp. Mu Zhian instinctively released the crane, watching as it flew away lightly, heading in a specific direction. This paper crane had a will of its own, or perhaps it was previously set up to find its owner? Or is the Primordial Witch within the Two Instruments Sect?! A chill ran through Mu Zhian’s heart. He immediately summoned his flying sword and pursued the paper crane closely, his heart filled with both anxiousness and a curiosity for the unknown. In less than half a minute, he saw the paper crane enter a secluded paradise within the Glazed Hall. Mu Zhian followed its path and glanced up at the courtyard's nameplate above the entrance. Tianhe Courtyard. The crane, enveloped in a deep black fog, slowly floated deeper into the Tianhe Courtyard. Mu Zhian, sword in tow, closely followed, filled with intrigue. His gaze remained fixed on the crane that now seemed to embody its own consciousness. If previous assumptions were correct, the Primordial Witch might indeed be a reincarnator! And now, the paper crane left behind by the Primordial Witch a thousand years ago flew into Tianhe Courtyard, as if seeking someone residing there. Could it be that the Primordial Witch is alive and possibly dwelling in Tianhe Courtyard?! Mu Zhian's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Entering the seclusion, he retracted his sword and followed the crane. The thin snow layer blanketed the land as the cold winds swept the scattered snowflakes across the skies of the Nine Provinces. The paper crane swayed lightly like a small boat on the vast sea, seemingly about to be swept away by the wind at any moment. Yet, it remained dry, untouched by moisture, surrounded by an aura of black mist, drifting gently down a tranquil path. ... Meanwhile, in Tianhe Courtyard, the water in the nearby pond had frozen with a thin layer of ice. Before the garden pavilion, Bai Ruoxi, clothed in a pure white dress adorned with plum blossoms and draped in a plum-colored shawl, exuded a frosty elegance, her soft, watery eyes gentle like flowing water. "Sister Mengrou, isn't it too cold out here? How about sitting down for a cup of tea?" she softly addressed Wei Mengrou, who was silently standing, supporting an open book with one hand. As she spoke, Bai Ruoxi personally poured tea for Wei Mengrou, placing it beside her. Wei Mengrou glanced at Bai Ruoxi, seated next to her, placed the book down, cupping the steaming tea, gently blowing the rising mist. “Did you get anything out of it?” Bai Ruoxi's eyes inadvertently fell on the book Wei Mengrou had put on the table. "How to Handle a Husband." Bai Ruoxi had lent it to Wei Mengrou a while back. Wei Mengrou had accidentally stumbled upon Bai Ruoxi reading such an eccentric book, initially intending to ignore it. However, Bai Ruoxi generously offered the book to her. While she wasn't particularly keen on such reading materials, Wei Mengrou couldn’t refuse Bai Ruoxi's enthusiasm, ultimately accepting the book. Now, Bai Ruoxi’s question about ‘benefit’ naturally referred to the content within that book. Wei Mengrou hesitated briefly, then nodded slightly, "A bit." Although the book contained some frivolous content, it primarily dealt with understanding and managing interpersonal relationships. For a maidservant who was once solely focused on cultivation, this book opened a whole new world. “Glad it was helpful, Sister Mengrou,” Bai Ruoxi said with a faint smile. Then, with a tinge of worry in her tone, she sighed softly, "Mu Lang seems interested in the Ascension Conference as well. If we run into him, what should I do?" The winner of this Ascension Conference would receive an additional ‘prize,’ that being Mu Zhian. Though the prize seemed absurd, it was a fair competition among the women. Whoever wins gains the upper hand regarding Mu Zhian, since it was an unspoken agreement among them. But Bai Ruoxi was yet to decide how to handle running into Mu Zhian in the conference. “He wouldn’t mind losing to someone he likes,” Wei Mengrou said calmly. She paused, resting her hand thoughtfully on her chin, pondering for a moment before a sly delight flickered in her eyes. “If there’s anything you’re dissatisfied with him about, why not beat him up fair and square at the Ascension Conference?” Bai Ruoxi muttered helplessly, "At times, Sister Mengrou, it's puzzling what kind of relationship you and Mu Lang have." Wei Mengrou’s demeanor towards Mu Zhian had always been aloof, yet she stayed by his side. This perplexing dynamic was difficult to understand for many. Wei Mengrou replied quietly, "Isn't he the one who likes it?" After all, Mu Zhian had, on several occasions, unfathomably exclaimed, “Sister Mengrou, please reprimand me!” or “Step on me, Sister Mengrou!” She turned her head to meet Bai Ruoxi's warm and bright eyes. “It was always like this in Tianxuan City.” Enjoys being bullied...? Bai Ruoxi tilted her head, her eyes showing a slight confusion. Remembering something, her slender fingers lightly pressed against the fabric of her thigh, her eyes dropping to her delicate embroidered shoes as memories of an evening flashed back—Mu Zhian seemingly enjoyed being under her foot. A light blush crept onto Bai Ruoxi’s charming face as she opened her mouth to speak. Then suddenly, as if sensing danger, her delicate demeanor vanished instantly. From behind, several radiant golden swords unfurled like a peacock's tail, gleaming brightly. Bai Ruoxi fixed her gaze on the sky. A spiritual sense within her also seemed to resonate in response. Curled within Bai Ruoxi's spiritual domain, the Sword Palace Leader slightly furrowed her brow as if sensing something, gradually opened her eyes. In a separate room, Lin Ling lay catching sight through the window, savoring a roasted crane leg, her dazzling red eyes watching the snowy scene. Inside, the quiet crackling of the hearth filled the room with warmth. A snowy day, a warm hearth, a cozy room, and fresh out of the oven Crane delicacy. Throughout the Two Instruments Sect, it was likely only Sister Lin Ling who knew how to truly enjoy herself. Though it was built on the foundation of the pain felt by the head of the Canghai Peak... Sensing something amiss, Lin Ling’s petite lips parted slightly as she took a bite of roast crane meat, her bright eyes gazing quietly at the distant snowy veil. In the pure white snow scene, a paper crane, enshrouded in black mist, floated into the Tianhe Courtyard. It appeared rather unremarkable. Yet, to any cultivator who saw it at first glance, it would invoke an inexplicable sense of reverence. Boom! Suddenly, a clap of thunder resonated from the sky, and distant in the horizon, there were rolling tribulation clouds. After swallowing the crane meat, Lin Ling whispered something softly. In the Tianhe Courtyard, an array descended silently and enveloped the area. Instantly, those tribulation clouds dissipated. Lin Ling poured herself a cup of hot tea and looked up toward the window. Seeing something, she tilted her head slightly, blinking her moist red eyes. Then, raising her teacup, she made a toasting gesture toward the window. ... Wei Mengrou watched in suspicion as the slowly approaching paper crane emitted a sinister black mist. It didn't radiate much spiritual energy, yet it gave an inexplicable, unsettling feeling. “A paper crane?” Bai Ruoxi watched the paper crane hovering mid-air, her delicate eyebrows slightly arched in contemplation. Quickly, she noticed this mysterious crane seemed to be flying in their direction. “Sister Mengrou, be wary, this thing is odd!” Bai Ruoxi whispered, cautiously eyeing the mysterious paper crane overhead. Yet, instead of retreating, Wei Mengrou stepped forward slowly, seemingly drawn to the mysterious crane. She gently raised her finger as if trying to catch the falling snowflakes outside her window. The mysterious paper crane, wrapped in black mist, fluttered over, coming to rest on Wei Mengrou’s fingertip. From behind, Bai Ruoxi watched with uncertainty the graceful figure of Wei Mengrou and the paper crane resting on her finger. Bai Ruoxi hesitated, “Sister Mengrou, what’s this...?” Wei Mengrou shook her head lightly, “I’m not sure.” Upon seeing the paper crane, an indescribable sense of nostalgia washed over her—a familiarity she couldn’t quite place. Wei Mengrou slowly unfolded the paper crane perched on her fingertip. And at that same moment, the text within the crane appeared before her eyes. Bai Ruoxi glanced over, then instinctively looked to Wei Mengrou, whispering, “An acquaintance of yours, Sister Mengrou?” Wei Mengrou stared at the letter, shaking her head slowly, “I don’t recall having any acquaintances within the sect.” Her eyes flickered with a hint of doubt and bewilderment. “This paper crane didn’t come from within the sect.” Bai Ruoxi’s voice suddenly turned icily melodic, yet enchantingly cold. At some point, her attire had turned a raven black, with vibrant red plum blossoms printed on the dark gown. Compared to her usual gentle and fragile lady-like appearance, Bai Ruoxi now exuded an alluring charm. Wei Mengrou’s gaze sharpened, “Sword Palace Leader?” “I thought you were still asleep?” “I was, but then you all caused quite the commotion...it's not conducive for peaceful slumber.” Gong Lianyue gave a sidelong glance at the letter in Wei Mengrou's hand. Wei Mengrou’s thoughts stirred slightly. “Senior, do you know the owner of this letter?” “I’ve met her once. After all, she’s the only one who, having resonated with the heavens, sought to tread upon it.” “But why this paper crane resonates with you, even I’m unsure,” Gong Lianyue said, pausing as if she sensed something, looking forward to the near distance. Wei Mengrou also looked up.