326 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Web Novel: Original Translations Title: So They Were the Protagonists After All Chapter 326 Author: ccc The great hall was vast and empty, a place where the first demon emperor had once been sealed, but now the restraining vines had withered away completely. Mu Zhian surveyed his surroundings, feeling a slight discomfort envelop his entire being. Demonic energy! The whole of the grand hall was suffused with the first demon emperor's potent demonic energy. Most cultivators couldn’t survive in the Demon Realm, largely because ordinary practitioners couldn’t absorb demonic energy into their cores. There’s no denying the prowess of the Demon Realm’s former ruler; even in complete demise, his residual demonic energy remained overwhelming. Utilizing his spiritual senses, Mu Zhian scanned the hall but failed to locate the first demon emperor’s storage ring. Anyone else might have given up by now, but with his pseudo-physique of a natural spirit body, though not as refined as Ye Lingxuan's, Mu Zhian could still make it work. Refusing to leave empty-handed, Mu Zhian closed his eyes and allowed the demonic energy to flow around him. To his astonishment, what was toxic to regular cultivators felt as regular spiritual energy, which he could absorb into his innate core with ease. In the pervasive demonic energy, he finally detected an object distinct from the surrounding aura. Slowly opening his eyes, he turned and exited the hall. On either side of the great hall stood a statue, each accompanied by a withered purple flower. Raising his hand, Mu Zhian infused a wisp of spiritual energy. The purple flower absorbed it and blossomed quietly, releasing a massive surge of demonic energy, transforming into a violet floral ring. The first demon emperor’s storage ring had been hiding in plain sight beside a statue—something no one lacking a natural spirit body could have imagined. “Don’t let me down,” Mu Zhian murmured. “I gave up time with Ruoxi for this…” Securing the ring, Mu Zhian departed from the ancient hall. In a secluded aerial pavilion, a maid looked directly at Mu Zhian, whispering, “He’s out.” Luo Tan, the empress, turned her serene gaze toward Mu Zhian as he emerged from the spatial rift. Her bright eyes were mesmerizing, her flowing hair catching the wind, a hint of slender black-silk-clad legs visible beneath her gold-threaded white gown. Despite her stunning beauty, an authoritative aura in her expression made direct eye contact intimidating. “Should I invite him to meet you tomorrow?” the maid asked. Luo Tan pondered briefly before replying, “The Ascension Conference begins the day after tomorrow. All disciples from the Martial Realm will return tomorrow... If we wait till then, it will be too late. Invite him to visit tonight.” … Tianhe Courtyard. Mu Zhian returned to his quarters and immediately withdrew the storage ring he’d acquired from the sacred hall. “Let’s hope the first demon emperor doesn’t disappoint,” he mused. “With the Ascension Conference approaching, any newfound power could help protect my virtue... If the ring’s a dud, I’ll need some comforting from Mengru tonight.” With a murmured prayer, Mu Zhian slipped the profound violet ring onto his finger and infused it with a wisp of spiritual energy. Whoosh! Immediately, the ring radiated with blinding brilliance, and Mu Zhian felt an overwhelming wave of demonic energy. Ancient text poured into his mind, making him nearly faint. The vision shifted, and the sky erupted in flames. Underneath the burning sky, a phoenix cloaked in black fire let out a sharp cry, and the ancient script became vividly embedded in Mu Zhian’s mind. He immediately understood its significance: “The Heaven Phoenix Technique.” It was the first demon emperor’s legacy—a top-tier art! Was there nothing else in this ring? Searching within the ring with his spiritual senses, Mu Zhian discovered it held only this single technique—no elixirs or treasures. “The first demon emperor was poorer than I thought,” Mu Zhian quipped internally. Beyond a top-tier demonic cultivation method, there were no pills or valuables. Reflecting on it, Mu Zhian reasoned that after being sealed for so long in the sacred hall, any elixirs would have lost their potency over centuries. Higher-order herbs required specific environments to remain viable, so they wouldn’t have been stored there. The first demon emperor conspired to conquer the Eastern Continent but could not foresee his ultimate demise and confinement. Mu Zhian reviewed the Heaven Phoenix Technique meticulously and gained fresh insights into the initial demon emperor’s ambition. The technique shared an unexpected parallel with the essence of the Celestial Phoenix Fruit he tasted on Yao Meng. It allowed practitioners to reignite their core when spiritual energy was depleted, achieving rebirth by fire, possibly up to nine times. Coupled with the Celestial Phoenix Fruit, the technique could undergo further evolution. No wonder the first demon emperor targeted the Celestial Pool as his initial goal in the Eastern Continent—in pursuit of the Celestial Phoenix Fruit. But he couldn't have anticipated the Celestial Pool Empress practicing sealing arts, capable of unleashing the peerless Purifying Lotus—a legendary force none at his level could withstand. Briefly collecting his thoughts, Mu Zhian covered the ring’s glow. “I can cultivate this technique, but it must remain hidden unless absolutely necessary... Though a demonic art, it will still enhance my power.” Beyond the innate advantages of the Demon Realm empress, only someone like Yao Meng could counter someone of the first demon emperor's calibre. “In the future, after mastering this technique, I’ll only need to worry about the Demon Empress.” Her true form, a consuming serpent, could devour a practitioner’s vital essence when the Heaven Phoenix Technique was invoked, nullifying its advantages. As for Yao Meng’s Purifying Lotus... Mu Zhian felt less daunted. Despite its counter to the Heaven Phoenix Technique, it couldn’t restrain Mu Zhian. For if he desired, he could easily subdue the celestial healer this very night—perhaps with both hands for better control, given her complexities. Recalling her alluring charm behind her purity, Mu Zhian felt a burning desire to seek out the celestial and cultivate the Eightfold Dream Art. But with the Ascension Conference imminent, enhancing his own strength took precedence over indulgence in the Eightfold Dream Art. Securing the ring with the Heaven Phoenix Technique, Mu Zhian stood, intending to focus on training in Bai Ruoxi’s chamber. Outside, a gentle knock interrupted, followed by Wei Mengru’s poised voice: “You have a letter.” A letter for him...? Couldn’t they have come directly...? Mu Zhian directed, “Come in, Sister Mengru.” … Under flickering candlelight, Mu Zhian accepted the letter from Wei Mengru, breaking it open for a cursory read. An invitation from the maid of the Yuzhou Empress. That empress should be named Luo Tan…? And a celestial-grade alchemist at that… Recalling the elegant lady in a white gown he glimpsed previously, Mu Zhian carefully read the invitation’s contents. As he finished, a thoughtful twinkle appeared in Mu Zhian’s eyes catching Wei Mengru’s gaze. He turned to her calmly and said, “It's an invitation from Yuzhou.” Wei Mengru glanced at him askance: “They shouldn’t know of your natural core, so why invite you?” Those titled as geniuses are routine encounters for cultivators of high realms. Aside from prodigies like Ye Lingxuan and Bai Ruoxi, ordinary ‘geniuses’ likely elicit no interest. Yet, word by letter to invite Mu Zhian personally... was baffling, at least. Though either because of primordial influences or otherwise, as she gazed at Mu Zhian, Wei Mengru found herself momentarily lost, her once-proud eyes showing glimmers of curiosity. Quickly regaining composure, Wei Mengru dismissed her wayward thoughts and queried coolly, “Do you plan to go?” Leisurely, Mu Zhian folded the invitation, grinning: “Of course. With an alchemy contest on the horizon, the rewards have piqued my interest... perhaps a chance to sway the judges early.” **"So They Were the Protagonists After All"** Chapter 326 - Translated Excerpt In the future, when Bai Ruoxi undergoes the Lightning Tribulation during her attempt to reach the Void Return stage, the resulting demonic energy will be so potent that not even the formidable formations of Tianhe Courtyard can completely conceal it. However, if she possesses the Mind Calibration Pill, such worries would be minimal. With that pill, she'd have over a ninety percent chance of safely stepping into the Void Return realm. “Do you really think just showing up will make them hand you the prize from the alchemy competition?” Wei Mengru arched an eyebrow teasingly. “Of course not. They’ll certainly act according to protocol,” Mu Zhian replied, his mind momentarily distracted as his gaze drifted to the maid’s smooth, ivory legs. “But there are always ways.” In the past, being alone with Wei Mengru wouldn’t have stirred any thoughts, but ever since her unexpected advance, Mu Zhian started uncovering some latent preferences. Today’s earlier kiss had left him restless, fueling some bold inclinations now. Aware of Mu Zhian’s gaze, Wei Mengru pursed her vivid lips and, a hint of disdain in her eyes, said, “Do you spend all your time thinking about these things? If you’d focused on cultivation, you’d be at least Sixth Grade in Spirit Refining by now.” “I’ve been training tirelessly since leaving Tianxuan City… These thoughts are an uncontrollable force now.” Mu Zhian shrugged helplessly. “What kind of uncontrollable force?” “It’s because you’re here, so it’s unavoidable,” Mu Zhian chuckled. “Sister Mengru has a charm about her.” Turning his appreciation into eloquence, Mu Zhian’s words, despite their underlying mischief, sounded surprisingly enticing. Even Wei Mengru, caught off guard by his sincere compliment, fell silent, unsure how to react. Among the various women close to Mu Zhian, Wei Mengru topped the list in terms of elegantly sculpted legs and alabaster skin, as Mu Zhian had observed firsthand earlier while resting on her lap. Just then, a voice resonated from the jade slip at Wei Mengru’s waist: “Junior Sister Wei, Master asks you to collect your spirit stones and pills for the upcoming half-month.” The voice belonged to a disciple from the Artifact Refining Peak, speaking through an enchanted message jade; with the spirit bound to it, communication was possible within close proximity. The disciple was likely just outside Tianhe Courtyard. It was unexpected for her to receive resources again so soon after her last allotment. “Seems the Artifact Refining Peak values you highly, Sister Mengru, it’s no wonder you’re considered a genius of the sect,” Mu Zhian jested through sound transmission. Detecting the playful teasing in Mu Zhian's gaze, Wei Mengru felt a mix of disdain and amusement. Her lips curled slightly as an interesting thought crossed her mind, replying softly, “I have some things to sort out, you should return first. I’ll head to Artifact Refining Peak shortly.” “Need any help?” persisted the voice outside. “No need,” Wei Mengru replied decisively. She glanced sparingly at the young master whose eyes continued to wander, tracing a finger along her smooth leg before gently teasing the hem of her skirt. The sudden intense gaze from Mu Zhian was all too clear. With a slight tug at her skirt, creating a captivating peek, she locked eyes with him, a sultry allure in her glance. “Dealing with a pest, it’s a quick matter,” she teased. “What do you think, young master?” --- Truthfully, Mu Zhian knew that the original demoness’s obsession subtly influenced Wei Mengru since residing within her. Yet he hadn’t expected her to play along with such suggestive antics while responding to the disciple's calls. In a confined room flickering with candlelight, an eternal conversation with a distant senior sister played from the jade slip on the table, while Wei Mengru flashed enticing looks that sparked warmth within. Though it mirrored one of his longed-for dreams, the genuine comfort and teasing disdain from her close proximity induced an unexplainable delight. It confirmed she was the maid he favored most; once her devilish charms awakened, there was no denying her allure. Due to limited time, they couldn’t proceed with the sacred spiritual energy exchange ritual, but at least they explored everything else in their mischievous venture. Savoring the satisfactory exchange, Mu Zhian watched as Wei Mengru retied her delicate silk belt around her slender waist, tidied her slightly ruffled hair, and moved to the vanity. Retrieving a piece of rouge from her storage ring, she applied it with a gentle bite. Entering behind her, Mu Zhian draped his arms around her, savoring the sweet scent typical of her presence and the warmth of her form. Wei Mengru tensed momentarily, then gently moved his hands away. Mu Zhian, unfazed, quipped, “Sister Mengru, wherever did you learn all this? Was it from Ruoxi?” Wei Mengru adjusted his disheveled collar and calmly replied, “Under no circumstances would I ask her those things... There was a book I read once with ample details.” “The first part discusses managing one's spouse; the latter part delves into providing unique pleasure…” “That unique pleasure—would it be what you just assisted me with?" Mu Zhian probed tentatively. After a pause, Wei Mengru admitted, “I only read the latter part.” Still, there was a tinge of cunning savviness in the next maid's response, hinting at her intentions: "They all want to control you, but only I know how to cherish the master." --- [End of Excerpt] **Recommendation:** Explore these exciting reads! - "Martial Arts: Unlimited Qi and Blood, Invincible in Jianghu" - "I, Quasi-Immortal Emperor, Sleep for Millennia Before Joining a Chat Group" - "Sailing: Summoning the Thunder God, One Blow to Defeat Kaido" - "Three-Body; I'm the Insect, the Bug of the Swarm!" - "Multi-anime: The Infinite Conquest" - "Konoha: Today, I, Naruto, Will Outshine Everyone Here" - "Martial Arts: The Way of Heaven Rewards Diligence, Chased by Xu Weixiong" - "Pokémon: Journey Begins in Pallet Town" - "Konoha: Restoring Uchiha, Beginning with Taking a Concubine" - "Zombies: Taking a Concubine to Become a Dao Ancestor, Yue Qiluo Begs for Mercy" ©2022 Fanfiction Novel Network All Rights Reserved.