Chapter - 279 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

“With your abilities, Sister, it should be impossible for you not to refine the Enlightenment Seed. Why are you still hesitating?” Lan Feiying asked again, her voice filled with confusion. Lan Muling remained silent for a moment before gently placing down the book in her hands. “I’m waiting for the right moment.” “Is it because you’re not ready to accept this gift from him?” Lan Feiying inquired. The Enlightenment Seed, considered a 'gift' from the Dao, is a sacred object that only has a tiny chance of being born from a thunder tribulation of someone in the Enlightenment Realm or above. Possessing it allows the wielder to comprehend a trace of Dao rhythm. The enhancement from this Dao rhythm is beyond imagination. Among those at the pinnacle of soul refinement, those who have grasped Dao rhythm can see a difference of over thirty percent in their abilities compared to those who haven’t. If someone in the ninth tier of soul refinement at the Glazed Palace comprehends the Dao rhythm, they could even challenge those in the Return to Void Realm. Seeing Lan Muling remain silent, Lan Feiying murmured, “Sister, do you perhaps harbor feelings for that little guy?” Lan Muling replied calmly, “I only see him as a junior disciple.” She paused, then added, “Perhaps I pay a bit more attention to him than to others.” However, Lan Feiying merely let out a soft “hmph,” her rosy lips forming a seductive arc as she spoke gently, “Regardless of your feelings, it seems he cares about you a lot. Otherwise, why would he give you the Enlightenment Seed?” “But you’ve yet to refine it. Is it because you’re not ready to accept his affection?” Lan Muling slightly tilted her head, looking at her charming sister, and asked, “What are you trying to say?” “If you were to return the Enlightenment Seed to him now, it might hurt his feelings, and I know you would never do that, considering your fondness for him. So, if you don’t plan on returning it, you might as well refine it soon; it would greatly aid your future cultivation.” “You wouldn’t want to be defeated by others in the future, would you?” Lan Feiying continued. A sharp glint flashed in Lan Muling’s eyes as she said evenly, “Even without the Enlightenment Seed, I won’t be defeated.” Not even twenty-six years old and already a cultivator in the Return to Void Realm, Lan Muling’s talent is unrivaled across Kyushu. Even Wei Mengrou hasn’t yet reached this realm, earning Lan Muling the recognition of being the most talented among her peers in her sect. Lan Feiying pondered for a moment, twirling a lock of her slightly curled hair with her fingers, and softly asked, “Has Sister ever lost since she began cultivating?” Lan Muling replied indifferently, “Never.” Lan Feiying gazed at her sister’s eyes, then at the task description on the system interface. [Task: Defeat Sister Lan Muling, so she can confront her true feelings (Reward: One first-grade technique)] “Your perfect winning streak might come to an end after this Ascension Conference.” “I’ll personally see to that,” Lan Feiying said quietly. For the first time, a hint of surprise flickered in Lan Muling’s eyes as she looked at her sister and asked softly, “Are you serious?” “Of course,” Lan Feiying replied with a charming smile. “Perhaps afterward, I’ll take that little guy, Mu Zhian, with me too.” She placed an origami crane on the table, inside which contained a note from the sect leader, Shang Yanfei. Lan Muling gazed into her sister’s clear autumn eyes, witnessing the serious determination there. After a moment, an unbelievably beautiful smile that seemed to break ice bloomed on her face. “Alright.” “Show me how much you’ve grown these past years at this Ascension Conference.” Chapter 271 The Grand Opening of the Ascension Conference Whatever the sisters discussed on the Two Yi Peak remained a mystery to Mu Zhian. After returning to the Glazed Palace on his flying sword, instead of heading straight back, he made a detour to De Xin Gardens to spend some time bonding with his sisters, Qian’er and Linxuan. A competent caretaker never neglects any fish in the pond, perfectly exemplifying Young Master Mu’s impeccable time management. With the Ascension Conference approaching, everyone aimed to maximize their strength before heading to the Martial World. After a brief conversation with Mu Zhian, Ye Linxuan retired to her room for calm meditation, escorted by Mu Zhian. “Mu-ge, why don’t you walk Qian’er back? She seems to have something to tell you,” Linxuan suggested suddenly at the door. Ye Qian, dressed in a vibrant green dress, her ample chest filling out the fabric, revealed a glimpse of snowy skin between her boots and the hem of her skirt. Trailing behind them, she seemed flustered by her sister’s suggestion and glanced up nervously. Ye Linxuan smiled slyly at Mu Zhian as she directed her gaze back to him, “No problem, right, Mu-ge?” She winked mischievously, her eyes dancing with an impish gleam. Such generosity, Linxuan wasn’t worried about jealousy?... Mu Zhian nodded with a smile. “By the way, Mu-ge, have you looked into the content of that paper crane from yesterday?” Linxuan abruptly asked, as Mu Zhian was about to escort Ye Qian back. “Not yet… It requires careful investigation,” Mu Zhian replied, shaking his head. Though he said that, he wasn’t sure how to start exploring the origins of the message from the Primordial Witch. The mysterious words—were they directed specifically at him or someone else? This question lingered, troubling his thoughts. If the Primordial Witch’s “long time no see” was indeed directed at me, the implications are chilling… Mu Zhian pulled himself from his thoughts, turning toward Ye Qian's pure face, he smiled, “Let’s go, Qian’er. I’ll walk you home.” ... The two strolled down a long corridor leading to Ye Qian’s room. Mu Zhian, walking by the girl’s side, ensured that Ye Linxuan was peacefully meditating before boldly taking her soft, small hand in his. Ye Qian’s body quivered slightly. She sneaked a peek at Mu Zhian, then quickly ducked her head, allowing him to hold her hand. “Qian’er, what level of soul refinement are you at now?” Mu Zhian casually asked, his gaze meandering over the snow-covered courtyard outside. “Soul Refinement grade four,” Ye Qian softly replied. I remember when Qian’er was at a lower grade than I was... Though spending day and night with beauties has indeed set my cultivation back a bit, her progress is incredibly fast… Mu Zhian sighed inwardly, letting his eyes linger on Ye Qian a little longer. The girl’s figure was proportioned impeccably well; while she retained a ‘youthful’ charm, her body was evolving toward a mature elegance, epitomizing youthful allure with voluptuous grace. “Mu-ge, wh-what is it?” Ye Qian became nervous under his gaze, her small eyes darting anxiously elsewhere. Mu Zhian studied her refined, innocent face, a few tendril-like strands falling over her classic, delicate features, her rosy lips pursed, blending the charms of purity and allure in her youthful gaze. “There seems to be something on your face, Qian’er,” Mu Zhian mused, observing Ye Qian intently while slyly retrieving an emerald-green spirit stone from his storage ring. “Huh?” Ye Qian instinctively reached up to brush her face, but Mu Zhian seized her hand instead, pulling her into a side room and closing the door behind them. Noticing the fiery look in Mu Zhian’s eyes, Ye Qian shyly murmured, “Mu-ge…?” Her moist, embarrassed eyes secretly glanced at Mu Zhian, harboring an unspoken mix of shyness and expectancy. Gently caressing Ye Qian’s flawless cheek, Mu Zhian gathered a lock of her hair, murmuring softly, “Did this fall from you?” He revealed a special emerald-green spirit stone he had deftly plucked from her hair. Ye Qian paused, surprised and delighted at Mu Zhian’s gesture, “When did Mu-ge put it on me…?” “Do you like it?” Mu Zhian asked with a smile. The Ye sisters, both around sixteen or seventeen, cherished gifts from a beloved one, treasuring them immensely. Face flushed, Ye Qian whispered a small “Yes,” cradling the spirit stone close. “Thank you…” Mu Zhian just shook his head, “Qian’er, you can’t just thank me verbally.” Ye Qian looked up instinctively, “What does Mu-ge mean…?” Mu Zhian’s gaze locked onto Ye Qian’s eyes without a word. Instead, he pressed her wrists against the door and, as she met his tender gaze brimming with sincerity, leaned in, kissing her cheek, neck, and finally claiming her tender lips with his own. “Mm…” Initially, Ye Qian intended to shy away, but as she glimpsed the depth in Mu Zhian’s eyes, she found herself softening, instinctively closing her eyes and responding to Mu Zhian’s warmth. After an indeterminate period, Mu Zhian finally released the girl, observing her as she gently panted, her breath forming warm clouds in the air. He chuckled, "Qian'er, you're truly adorable." Compared to Ye Linxuan, this girl was exceptionally naive. No wonder Ye Linxuan had been so wary, even visiting the Mu family when she learned her sister had been 'deceived' by him. Cradling Ye Qian’s waist, Mu Zhian led her to sit beside him on the bed, speaking softly, “By the way, did you receive a letter from the sect leader earlier?” Still in a daze from before, Ye Qian came back to her senses upon hearing Mu Zhian’s words. She lifted her gaze to his handsome face and nodded lightly. So Qian’er also received a letter. Is the sect leader trying to get them to fight among themselves, hoping to benefit from the aftermath... Mu Zhian sighed softly, “Actually, I've been quite troubled by this matter lately.” “Mu-ge’s worries are related to this?” Ye Qian blinked, her clear, peach blossom eyes fixated on him. Mu Zhian nodded slightly, “Being born free, offering myself as a competition prize feels rather inappropriate.” Placing a hand on Ye Qian’s leg, he held her cool, soft hand, his voice gentle, “Could you help me, Qian’er?” “How can I help you, Mu-ge?” Ye Qian tilted her head, puzzled. “Just try your best to win the Ascension Conference and maybe advance to the finals if possible.” Mu Zhian explained softly. He gently squeezed her cool, smooth hand, continuing, “During the Ascension Conference, I’ll do my utmost to assist you as well.” This was part of Mu Zhian’s plan. Ye Qian was a well-behaved, obedient girl. Now, he sought to expand his ‘Protect Mu’ faction, ensuring their people reached the finals, making the additional rewards from the Ascension Conference inconsequential. Feeling the warmth of his palm, Ye Qian murmured, “If I win the Ascension Conference and forfeit the sect’s hidden reward, would that ease Mu-ge’s burden?” Mu Zhian nodded with a smile, “Qian’er, you are a clever child.” Ye Qian’s eyes shimmered briefly as she contemplated his words. After a moment, she nodded softly, “I understand.” “I’ll help you, Mu-ge.” “Thank you. With your help, things should become much easier from my side.” Mu Zhian breathed a sigh of relief. Ye Qian offered a gentle smile, yet an unusual sheen glinted in her eyes. Having spent a considerable time in affectionate closeness with Ye Qian, Mu Zhian eventually left the room, satisfied. Ye Qian remained seated on the bed, gently fiddling with her bangs, her gaze following Mu Zhian’s departing silhouette until it slowly withdrew. “I’m sorry, Mu-ge,” she whispered to herself. “This time, Qian’er won’t follow your lead.” Whether for herself or for her sister’s future happiness. ... Riding on his sword back to Tianhe Courtyard, Mu Zhian headed to the room where Miss Wei Mengrou usually rested. At that moment, Wei Mengrou was in seclusion for cultivation, the lingering effects from the Primordial Witch's influence seemingly dissipated entirely by today. Her eyes remained shut, her breathtaking beauty marked by an aloof demeanor. Sensing Mu Zhian’s presence, Wei Mengrou slowly opened her eyes. Their gazes locked briefly before Wei Mengrou, perceiving her young master’s admiring gaze, quietly diverted her own, speaking coolly, “Is there something you need?” Her demeanor unchanged from usual, yet the subtle flicker in her eyes betrayed her. Now, seeing Mu Zhian reminded the maidservant of the events in the courtyard the day before. Although it had been the Witch’s obsession that compelled her to embrace him so intimately, it was still her body. Furthermore, she had awakened mid-kiss, fully cognizant of its sensation... Simply recalling it evoked an indescribable sense of shame. Unaware of Wei Mengrou’s inner turmoil, Mu Zhian approached her room with a beam, “Can’t I visit without a reason?” As he spoke, he seated himself beside her, looking up, “Do you have any thoughts about the upcoming Ascension Conference, Mengrou?” So he’s here because of that... Wei Mengrou’s eyelids remained lowered as she answered, “I’m not particularly interested, I’ll just do my best.” She paused, sparing him an impassive glance, her lips curving slightly in a cool smile, “And what about you, have you decided who you’ll marry after this conference ends?” “What do you mean by marrying off…” Mu Zhian’s mouth twitched, catching Wei Mengrou’s teasing glance. He suddenly quipped, “If I actually do get married, wouldn’t that make you a dowry maid?” “Is this how you ask for help?” Wei Mengrou cast him a sidelong look. She understood his true purpose for visiting. Despite relations being tight around those eyeing Mu Zhian—all close girls—she remained an exception. Their rapport, though close, hadn’t crossed into romantic love. If Mu Zhian sought a breakthrough, she knew he would come to her. Should Wei Mengrou win the Ascension Conference, the sect leader's 'hidden reward' letter would hold no power. Of course, this relied on her willingness to help and that she won the top spot in the conference.