314 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Translation:** **Novel Fanfic Website** Search Fanfic Novels Completed Fanfic Ongoing Fanfic Rankings Home > Fanfic Novels > So, They Were the Protagonists **Chapter 314: So, They Were the Protagonists** Author: ccc --- **Great Qian Dynasty** In a well-constructed and classically designed Daoist temple. The Emperor of Great Qian tossed the document he was holding onto the desk, saying in a deep voice, "National Advisor, the matter you instructed me to investigate has reached a conclusion." "The maid by Mu Zhian’s side indeed has some issues. According to the investigator's findings, she was born into a small, impoverished family; her parents died when she was quite young. By the age of five, she had already displayed remarkable talent, but everyone who associated with her encountered incredibly unfortunate events, resulting in her having no friends." In the civilian world, people might just think of her as unlucky without attributing any deeper meaning to it. However, for cultivators, it’s different. They are aware of the concept of ‘fortune’ and understand that some cultivators have such extreme bad luck that it can even affect others. "This must be the Misfortune Physique." "I already know this. I'm more concerned about another individual right now." Gu Boxin, seated cross-legged on the couch, slowly opened his eyes and looked up at the aging emperor: "What about Mu Zhian?" "Mu Zhian seems quite ordinary," the Emperor of Great Qian shook his head. "He resembles the degenerate disciples I've seen before, a notorious scoundrel who never shied away from evil deeds. While he didn't oppress women from respectable families, he did have relations with many girls, including a few lonely... young widows." Debauched disciples are quite common among the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty, behaving recklessly due to their backgrounds. However, Mu Zhian was somewhat better than some of the royal princes; at least he didn’t oppress civilian girls, as his affairs were mostly consensual. Still, at the end of the day, it was Mu Zhian’s exceptionally handsome face and prominent family background that easily attracted girls who were even willing to offer themselves. Gu Boxin did not respond immediately. He observed the document in his hand for a long while before suddenly asking, "How come there are no details about Mu Zhian's parents in here?" The Great Qian Emperor paused, his train of thought interrupted. The National Advisor’s remark reminded the old emperor of something he hadn't noticed. Indeed... why was there nothing about Mu Zhian’s parents in the document he had just reviewed? With a seasoned investigator compiling someone’s background, how could such important information be overlooked? "Could it be his parents are deceased...?" the old emperor speculated after a long pause. Gu Boxin shook his head slowly, indicating the document. "If Mu Zhian's parents were dead, it should have been noted as such. Yet, the document doesn’t even mention his parents." After a brief revelation, the old emperor’s eyes narrowed with anger as he commanded, "Bring me the investigator responsible for this!" An attendant outside the temple shivered with fear and immediately complied, leaving the temple. Gu Boxin continued to scrutinize the document, and the old emperor did the same, growing more perplexed the more he delved into the discrepancies. From being a degenerate disciple to becoming one of the geniuses of Tianxuan City, even wooing the beautiful Bai Ruoxi who once despised him, and maintaining an ambiguous relationship with the Sacred Maiden of the Forbidden Zone... if all this were part of Mu Zhian's plan, it would be terrifying indeed. Especially since, in the past, nobody in Tianxuan City knew that Ye Lingxue was the Sacred Maiden of the Eastern Continent Forbidden Zone, the future Empress of the Forbidden Zone. And what could such a discerning figure as the Sacred Maiden find in Mu Zhian? The old emperor furrowed his brow, his fingers gently tapping on the desk. After a while, a masked investigator arrived at the temple, lowering his head respectfully as he bowed, "National Advisor, Your Majesty." The old emperor set the document aside, his presence commanding respect as he sternly asked, "I asked you to investigate Mu Zhian’s background. Why isn’t there any mention of his parents in the document?" The investigator was momentarily taken aback, then replied promptly, "Your Majesty, I should have recorded the details about Mu Zhian’s parents in the document..." "Where is it recorded?" asked the old emperor. The investigator approached boldly, retrieving one of the documents as he searched through it, saying, "Mu Zhian’s parents are odd. I inquired with some citizens of Tianxuan City; they are familiar with the Mu family and know its head but when asked about the head’s name, no one could tell me." The old emperor expressed doubt, "No one knows the name of Mu Zhian’s parents? Then who manages the Mu family?" "The elders of the Mu family and previously Mu Zhian himself in Tianxuan City," the investigator answered. "Another strange thing is that not only citizens of Tianxuan City, but even members of Mu family themselves don’t know their leader's name." The investigator's search accelerated, eyes growing more bewildered. He looked up at Gu Boxin, asking, "National Advisor, may I see the document you have?" Gu Boxin glanced at him, handing over the document. The investigator quickly sifted through it, cold sweat forming on his forehead as he muttered to himself, "How is it possible? I distinctly remember documenting the background of Mu Zhian’s parents... Why can’t I find it now?" A cold, ominous expression crossed the old emperor’s face. Such a crucial task being negligently omitted indicates that this investigator's career might soon end. Gu Boxin silently observed the investigator, using his senses to scan the latter’s intentions, eventually growing intrigued. The investigator wasn’t lying. In his perception, he had indeed documented the information about Mu Zhian’s parents. If that’s the case, why is it missing from the records? Gu Boxin frowned slightly, contemplating deeply before a shiver ran through his body as if he realized something. "Alright, you may leave," Gu Boxin instructed quietly. The investigator glanced at the old emperor, who waved him off, allowing him to depart the temple with a sigh of relief. If things had gone poorly earlier, he might have faced execution. Gu Boxin’s intervention indirectly saved his life. "This investigator seems unusable. Have him dealt with later," the old emperor remarked coldly. Gu Boxin paused thoughtfully, then added, "Perhaps it wasn't the investigator who failed to record it, but rather that the records vanished on their own." The Great Qian Emperor’s eyes flickered with a hint of doubt, turning to Gu Boxin, "You mean the contents of the document disappeared by themselves?" "But how could that be possible..." "The spells of cultivators are much more formidable than you might imagine, Your Majesty." Gu Boxin smoothed the creases in the document, speaking gloomily, "If someone has shielded heavenly secrets, concealing the identity of Mu Zhian’s parents, then what’s tied to this Misfortune Physique might be grander than we imagine." "Can Master Gu resolve this matter?" the old emperor inquired. "Not at the moment," Gu Boxin paused, showing more confidence in his eyes. "But if we wait until the rules of the world change again, I could ascend by harnessing the power of the people's faith. By then, the Great Qian Dynasty could naturally regain its strength." Even now, if he pushed to his limits, he could barely contend with a being at the Harmonized Dao level by burning the power of faith. The old emperor pondered, abruptly asking, "By the way, Advisor, when you mentioned Misfortune Physique earlier, did you perhaps identify the owner?" Gu Boxin shook his head with some frustration, sighing, "Your Majesty, with your cultivation, your memory shouldn’t degrade like this. Hadn't I already told you? I discovered the Misfortune Physique in the Martial World, and that person is—" The words suddenly halted. A streak of confusion crossed the National Advisor’s eyes. Who has the Misfortune Physique...? In that fleeting moment of bewilderment, Gu Boxin suddenly felt an ominous, indifferent gaze from a high deity watching over him, causing cold sweat to trickle down his back. At this moment, he finally realized something. This was likely not just about someone erasing entries from the document casually but something more profound where Mu Zhian's parents have been 'shielded' by an unfathomable power. And now, all their memories concerning the 'Misfortune Physique' were being forcibly erased! --- "This isn't Lord Mu? Why are you visiting my villa so early today?" Huang Manting sat cross-legged, swaying her delicately crafted black embroidered shoes, supporting her chin with one hand, her eye-catching blush adding a different sort of allure. She lifted her eyes to the doorway where Mu Zhian stood, her voice gentle and enticing. "Is Miss Huang back after passing the Martial World’s assessment?" Mu Zhian asked with a smile. "Barely managed ten points, passed the Martial World assessment ahead," Huang Manting teased, playing with her hair, laughing lightly, "But still not as impressive as your little girlfriend." Mu Zhian chuckled without a word, thinking to himself how someone at the Harmonized Dao level like her could have gone to take part in the Martial World assessment and have a slower completion than Ruoxi? Clearly, the consciousness of the Demon Realm Empress residing in Huang Manting's body intentionally hid its strength, unwilling to draw much attention. As for why she openly appeared within the Liangyi Sect, Mu Zhian didn't know nor did he care to understand. **"Your Majesty, I have a question. May I seek Your guidance?"** Mu Zhian raised his hand in a gesture of respect, speaking succinctly. "Go ahead," Huang Manting replied softly. "Who invited you to assist me yesterday?" Mu Zhian inquired. No one in the Nine Provinces could persuade the Demon Realm Empress to lend a hand unless there were interests significant enough to sway her. The Demon Realm Empress gazed at Mu Zhian, smiling silently, her allure captivating. This indicated she either couldn't speak about it or didn't want to... Mu Zhian understood this well, and continued, "I am grateful for Your Majesty’s assistance yesterday. However, is the relationship between the Misfortune Physique and the Great Qian Dynasty truly irreconcilable?" After all, this is a matter concerning the Eastern Continent, not the Demon Realm. Surely this part could be disclosed, right? "The Misfortune Physique has indeed witnessed the downfall of several dynasties, but it mostly serves as a witness. An individual's fortune cannot affect a dynasty's fate; it’s more often the dynasty’s own issues," Huang Manting played with a lock of hair, her captivating eyes fixated on Mu Zhian. "I know what you're thinking." "If the Great Qian Dynasty sends envoys to the Liangyi Sect and mentions the Misfortune Physique, and if the sect decides to hand it over for the sake of the Eastern Continent’s inhabitants, what then… Is that what worries you?" Mu Zhian remained silent, acknowledging her guess. "If the Liangyi Sect does decide to hand her over, you can come to me." Huang Manting smiled, her toes playfully tilting her black embroidered shoe, her toenails, painted in a bright black shade, looked as sweet as chocolates. Mu Zhian bowed, "I would appreciate Your Majesty's guidance." Huang Manting glanced at Mu Zhian, offering a charming smile, "I can offer you and your maid a refuge in the Demon Realm." "If they eventually decide to sacrifice the Misfortune Physique for the Eastern Continent... I’d be quite willing to accept you." She placed a jade slip on the table, "If you decide to take this path in the future, crush this jade slip, and I will escort you from the Eastern Continent." The generosity of the Demon Realm Empress touched Mu Zhian inwardly, as he wondered why someone of his insignificant standing would receive such favor. Moved, he clasped his hands in gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. However, if possible, I would like to continue providing intelligence for you within the sect." Huang Manting slowly sipped her tea, her every movement exuding a unique seduction, her eyes softening as she glanced at Mu Zhian. "You have more value beyond mere intelligence now." She paused, quietly musing, "Though I doubt she would let you go." --- Back at the Tianhe Courtyard, Mu Zhian proceeded directly to Wei Mengrou’s room. His natural spiritual sense could detect the spiritual energy within the room, indicating that Wei Mengrou had successfully refined the Heavenly Dao's Qi. Mu Zhian opened the door, indeed finding the Heavenly Dao's Qi obediently floating by Wei Mengrou’s side. It appeared far more 'calm' than its prior ominous state, no longer evoking immediate trepidation. "Completed the refinement?" Mu Zhian smiled at Wei Mengrou. Wei Mengrou nodded slightly. The Heavenly Dao's Qi, unlike its resistance to Mu Zhian, had peacefully adhered to Wei Mengrou’s spiritual guidance, ultimately being absorbed into her core. "As expected, you are its true match, Mengrou," Mu Zhian said with a touch of sentiment. Wei Mengrou waved her hand to summon the Heavenly Dao’s Qi back, hesitating for a moment before looking at Mu Zhian, "Thank you this time… I apologize for causing you trouble in the Martial World." Although logically speaking, with her peak Spirit Refinement power, Wei Mengrou shouldn't have needed help. Yet, somehow, this time it was Mu Zhian who had assisted her. Had the cultivators been allowed to step into her tribulation area, inciting a greater lightning calamity, no matter how talented her maid was, she wouldn't have overcome it if there were more than five adversaries. Knowing this, Wei Mengrou felt a tinge of complexity in her emotions. Being rescued by the very master she once disdained. "Was your tribulation a success or failure?" Wei Mengrou abruptly asked. Though she had shielded her and Mu Zhian’s aura, it also meant Mu Zhian never faced the tribulation… Normally, a failed tribulation would mean a downgrade. If Mu Zhian failed, wouldn’t his cultivation level too... "Succeeding in the Martial World assessment is already a small victory, and one can always strive upward in cultivation later. There's no harm," Mu Zhian chuckled. He had been at the peak of Fourth Grade Spirit Refinement before, but after the tribulation failure, he hadn’t dropped to Third Grade but was barely at the initial stage of Fourth Grade. Sensing a subtle shift in the room's atmosphere, Mu Zhian approached the bedside, laughing, "Honestly, cultivation isn’t everything. After all, the gap between the peak of Fourth Grade Spirit Refinement and Fourth Grade isn't wide. It's just a matter of refining a bit more." "What's more, even at Fourth Grade Spirit Refinement, can't I still hold my own against you, Mengrou?" Wei Mengrou glanced at him, understanding the subtext behind his playful words. However, his interruption did make her feel a little lighter at heart. **First chapter | Previous chapter 314/718 | Next chapter | Last chapter | Directory** **Previous: There's No One Who Understands Villainy Better Than Me** **Next: Amalgamated Anime: Transforming into a Superhero** **Recommended Reading!** - Wuxia: Infinite Blood Points, Invincible in the Jianghu - I, Quasi-Immortal Emperor, Slept for Ages and Joined a Chat Group - Sailing: Summon Thunder God, Sweet Aroma Slashes Kaido in One Cut - Three Bodies: I Am the Insect, Insect Race Bug! - Amalgamated Anime: The Endless Conquest - Konoha: I, Naruto, Will Absorb All Present Today - Wuxia: Heavenly Tao Rewards Diligence, Being Chased by Xu Weixiong - Pokémon: Starting from Pallet Town - Konoha: Reviving Uchiha, Beginning with Taking a Concubine - Zombies: Taking Concubines, Becoming the Taoist Patriarch, Yue Qiluo Begs for Mercy **Copyright©2022 Fanfic Novels All Rights Reserved.**