Chapter - 278 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Yao Meng's eyes softened with a hint of tenderness as she lifted Mu Zhi'an's face into her embrace. What a pleasant fragrance, and... so soft and warm... Mu Zhi'an closed his eyes slightly, savoring the warmth and beauty of human connection. This is the pinnacle of life I've been pursuing! At that moment, Yao Meng suddenly spoke, "The Ascension Conference officially begins the day after tomorrow. The formations in the martial world are quite peculiar. If I accompany you, it might stir unnecessary trouble. However, since you have the jade slip protecting you, your safety isn't a concern." "If it really doesn't work out, you could just skip the Ascension Conference." "I have my own sense of judgment and will do my best not to let you down, fairy sister!" Mu Zhi'an replied. "You don't have to push yourself too hard. If it doesn't work out, just return to the Jade Pool with me. I'll guide you in cultivation so you can refine your spirit and return to the void sooner." Yao Meng gave a pure, fairy-like smile, but her words sharply revealed hidden intentions. This is the 'soft rice' I want to eat... I'll always be devoted to my fairy sister! Mu Zhi'an responded sincerely, "Thank you, sister, I'll consider it in my future plans!" After thoroughly enjoying the warmth and tenderness of humanity in Yao Meng's embrace, Mu Zhi'an wisely said, "I accidentally broke the test monument of our senior sister earlier. I might need to visit Liangyi Peak." Yao Meng smiled and nodded. While Mu Zhi'an attended the Ascension Conference, Yao Meng planned to refine the innate spirit energy of her furnace physique and handle the internal affairs of the Jade Pool Sanctuary. ... Liangyi Peak. Mu Zhi'an tossed a paper crane into the peak, and after some unknown time, a familiar figure appeared in his view. Her attire was enchanting and seductive, a red qipao wrapped around her alluring, shapely body. The slit in the qipao revealed her snow-white, well-rounded long legs, and she wore a pair of delicate red embroidered shoes. "Sister Feiying, why is it you?" Mu Zhi'an asked with a tone of surprise upon seeing Lan Feiying. Lan Feiying flashed a charming smile, "I came to ask my elder sister some questions regarding cultivation, and happened to see your paper crane, so I came to meet you." "Where is our senior sister?" Mu Zhi'an's gaze involuntarily lingered on Lan Feiying's fiery figure as she gracefully came on her sword. "She's reading, so I came out in her stead," Lan Feiying replied, smiling as she sized up Mu Zhi'an. "What? Are you disappointed not to see my elder sister?" Mu Zhi'an snapped out of it and shook his head with a smile, "How could I be? I'm also happy to see Sister Feiying." As he spoke, he boldly draped an arm around Lan Feiying's alluring waist. "If you keep this up, I'll tell my sister," Lan Feiying playfully slapped his hand away and gave him a teasing glance. Even when feigning annoyance, her beauty exuded endless charm. A glance like that in the privacy of a bedroom, under those mildly annoyed yet seductive eyes... just imagining it was thrilling. "Sister Feiying, you've changed. You weren't like this before," Mu Zhi'an said, sounding 'heartbroken'. "You never refused when I hugged you before." "This is Liangyi Peak. Do you want my sister to catch us?" Lan Feiying rolled her eyes at Mu Zhi'an, summoned her flying sword, and headed deeper into the peak. Mu Zhi'an quickly followed on his sword, watching the graceful red figure of the beauty. "Does that mean it's okay outside?" "Sure, outside, you can do whatever you want." Lan Feiying's words made Mu Zhi'an pause, thinking, I was just joking, since when did Sister Feiying become so open...? He had long admired her exquisite figure, but since Lan Feiying had been secluded in Tianji Peak for cultivation, he had little opportunity to interact. Little did he expect she'd agree so casually now...? Lan Feiying cast him a side glance and smiled enchanting, "Beat me at the Ascension Conference and we'll see." Mu Zhi'an smiled gently, "Better not, it feels unfair to Sister Feiying." In the Nine Provinces, Mu Zhi'an ranked talents in tiers: t0, t1, and t2. Protagonists like Ye Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi stood at the t0 tier, while heirs of ancient families filled the t1 tier. His current strength placed him at the top of the t1 tier. Even against t0 heroines, he could easily subdue them if he wished, compelling them to beg for mercy. Just the previous night, facing Yao Meng, an empress of the Dao Integration stage, he had the upper hand at first... though by the latter half of the night, it was he who begged for mercy. With his current ability, the odds of defeating Lan Feiying were quite high. Lan Feiying, apparently provoked, let out a scornful "heh," glancing at him. "If you win against me at the Ascension Conference, you can do whatever you like." Mu Zhi'an quickly shook his head, "No, I'm not one to take advantage." "You are such a gentleman?" Lan Feiying laughed lightly. "How about this? If you lose, you're at my mercy, how about that? Fair enough?" Mu Zhi'an hesitated, "Sister Feiying, are you serious?" "Of course," Lan Feiying slowed her flying speed, gazing at Mu Zhi'an with a captivating smile. "What do you say?" "Since Sister Feiying is so confident, I'll play along," Mu Zhi'an agreed, not noticing the mischievous curve at Lan Feiying's lips. Boom! A thunderous roar echoed in the sky, signaling that their pact had been acknowledged by the Dao. It didn't particularly affect Mu Zhi'an. Although he considered himself principled and wouldn't do anything inappropriate even if he won, he couldn’t very well avoid the challenge once issued. After all, his aim at the Ascension Conference was to emerge at the top, and he needed to be prepared to defeat anyone he faced. For the sake of his future happiness! Casually chatting, they arrived at the pavilion, where Mu Zhi'an quickly spotted the figure of Lan Muling in her moon-white dress. She was reading quietly, holding a book in her hands. Lan Muling sat with a dignified elegance, her skirt reaching her knees, revealing white-booted legs exposed to the chill, exuding an ethereal translucence, sparking endless imagination. In contrast to her sister's provocative charm, Lan Muling's demeanor was a stark difference: the epitome of ice compared to fire. Lan Feiying didn't enter the pavilion, offering them a space for conversation. Meanwhile, Lan Muling's gaze shifted from her book, casually landing on Mu Zhi'an. "Senior sister," Mu Zhi'an greeted immediately. "Has Young Master Mu finished his trysts with Miss Bai and Sister Lingxuan and finally spared some time?" Lan Muling's voice was clear, her expression as cold as frost. Senior sister's reaction is colder than I expected... Mu Zhi'an maintained an awkward yet polite smile, "Senior sister jests. With the Ascension Conference approaching, I've been focused on training for the upcoming challenges." Recalling past events with Lin Keyu, Lan Muling responded indifferently, "Does Young Master Mu even take cultivation seriously? I thought you spent your days pleasing women." Mu Zhi'an sighed internally, "Senior sister seems to misunderstand me. I've been preoccupied with striving for a decent rank at the Ascension Conference." "If that's the case, you should minimize distractions and focus on your training," Lan Muling suggested. "You're right, I'll devote myself to cultivation and aim for a breakthrough." Lan Muling nodded in satisfaction, "Henceforth, avoid unnecessary visits to Miss Bai or Dexin Courtyard. I will have Sister Yan arrange new accommodations for you." Mu Zhi'an was speechless. "Senior sister..." Mu Zhi'an hesitated. Putting her book down, Lan Muling explained earnestly, "Emotional entanglements can hinder cultivation. Frequent contact with the opposite sex only slows down your progress." Mu Zhi'an could only nod in agreement, planning to respond more tactfully. "Senior sister is right, I will focus on my training," he replied diplomatically. Fortunately, Lan Muling didn't dwell on the subject, instead asked, “Is there something you need?” She glanced at her tall, seductive younger sister outside the pavilion. Mu Zhi'an hesitated briefly, then retrieved an exquisite jade box from his storage ring. "This contains one million spirit stones," Mu Zhi'an said. Lan Muling instinctively glanced at him, "What's the meaning of this?" "I accidentally damaged your test monument, so this is compensation," Mu Zhi'an explained helplessly. Even he hadn't anticipated that his sister, Wei Mengrou, testing his fortune would end with the monument being blown apart. "Test monuments don't break without reason. There should be more to the story, correct?" Lan Muling looked at Mu Zhi'an with a deeper understanding. "This matter is quite long, I'll take the time to discuss it with you later," Mu Zhi'an said, preparing the groundwork for their next meeting. Then he placed another jade box on the table. Lan Muling glanced at him and gently opened the box. Inside was a sea-blue spirit stone, intricately etched with patterns, with visible waves seemingly swirling inside. "I obtained this unusual spirit stone from the Sword Palace. It's perfect for making ornaments," Mu Zhi'an explained. Lan Muling brushed her slender fingers over the smooth, sea-blue stone, her gaze calm and steady. "Is this compensation as well?" Mu Zhi'an shook his head. "It's a gift for you, senior sister." Lan Muling sneered, "Did you give similar gifts to others as well?" Mu Zhi'an didn't deny it, but he gazed at Lan Muling's ethereal beauty and softly said, "But this sea blue stone is one-of-a-kind. At least from me, there's only this one." Lan Muling lowered her gaze, staring at the sea-blue stone. After a long silence, she tossed the box of one million spirit stones back to Mu Zhi'an. "The test monument is meant to measure the luck and strength of disciples. It breaking isn't such a big deal. Keep your compensation and return to your cultivation." She accepted the gift... Mu Zhi'an felt a surge of joy but maintained a composed exterior. "Then I'll take my leave." With Lan Muling's nod, Mu Zhi'an stored the box of spirit stones in his storage ring and left the pavilion. Meanwhile, Lan Feiying watched Mu Zhi'an's relieved expression and sent a teasing message, "Looks like you achieved your goal today?" "I have you to thank for that, Sister Feiying," Mu Zhi'an replied mentally. Lan Feiying chuckled, "Just words of thanks won't suffice." What am I supposed to do, offer myself? Mu Zhi’an thought jokingly. He then glanced back at Lan Muling, who was having tea in the pavilion, and discreetly pulled a special red-patterned spirit stone from his ring, offering it to Lan Feiying. Lan Feiying raised her eyes to gaze at him, "And this is...?" "A Phoenix Cry Stone, a type of special spirit stone. I've been meaning to give it to you, Sister Feiying, but never found the right moment..." Mu Zhi'an conveyed earnestly. "Sister Feiying, please don't decline. You've taken great care of me back in Tianxuan City, and I've long wanted to repay that kindness," his message carried an extra touch of sincerity. During their time in Tianxuan City, Lan Feiying's relationship with him was quite good. At first, Mu Zhi'an thought it was because of his status as the young master of the Mu family. But once he learned she was from the Lan family, he realized she might genuinely like him, without too many ulterior motives. Lan Feiying glanced at him briefly and, with a soft laugh, caressed his handsome face, "In that case, I won't be polite." "As long as Sister Feiying likes it," Mu Zhi'an smiled. He wasn't worried about the sisters realizing each other's spirit stones, as, like he mentioned earlier, these unique stones were merely tokens of gratitude. Even if they saw each other's gifts, it wouldn't be an issue. Since Lan Muling was still in the pavilion, Mu Zhi'an didn't openly flirt with her sister in front of her, so he quickly made his farewells to Lan Feiying. As Mu Zhi'an departed, Lan Feiying stowed the vibrant red stone and, after watching him leave, turned her gaze to her cool-tempered sister in the pavilion. She then gracefully stepped into the pavilion. "You didn't come just to chat with me today, did you?" Lan Muling sat elegantly on a stone chair, brewing tea for her younger sister. "The Ascension Conference starts the day after tomorrow. Aren't you going to participate?" Lan Feiying looked at her sister with alluring eyes. Lan Muling softly shook her head, "Participating wouldn't be appropriate for me." "But you're only two or three years older than us. Even if you join, no one could complain." Lan Feiying rested her chin on her hand, her eyes twinkling with mock innocence. "Or are you afraid you'll lose, sister?" Lan Muling cast a disinterested glance at her sister, "Don't waste time with such childish provocations." "The gap between the Return to Void stage and Refining Spirit stage is enormous, as you well know." "True, the Return to Void stage is a daunting barrier, but didn't a new disciple comprehend a trace of Dao rhythm upon entering the Glazed Hall recently? Purely by strength, they might rival you," Lan Feiying teased. "Have you refined the Dao Comprehension Seed that Mu Zhi'an gifted you?" she continued. Lan Muling remained silent. Since Mu Zhi'an gifted her the Dao Comprehension Seed, countless sect disciples lingered near Liangyi Peak, anticipating the senior sister's breakthrough to become the sect's strongest young talent. Yet, Lan Muling hadn't refined the seed to this day.