327 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Website for Fanfic Novels Search Fanfiction Completed Works Ongoing Serials Rankings Home > Fanfiction > It Turns Out, They Were the Protagonists It Turns Out, They Were the Protagonists, Chapter 327 Author: ccc Mu Zhian lowered his head, watching Wei Mengrou gently smooth out his hair with her hand. Suddenly, an impulse struck him to push her onto the bed and continue from there. Just imagine—a maid he usually regards with disdain lying on the bed, casting you a contemptuous glance while her face flushes with a shy blush... The mere thought was thrilling. Wei Mengrou seemed to sense Mu Zhian's burgeoning desire. She bit her lip, rose slightly on her tiptoes, and whispered in his ear, “Save it for next time. You have an appointment to keep.” Her seductive voice, paired with the unique scent of a servant, inadvertently drew Mu Zhian’s gaze to her. After a few moments of thought, he asked, “Are you really Sister Mengrou, or the Progenitor Witch?” Wei Mengrou smiled slightly. “Take a guess.” She turned, circled around Mu Zhian, and gently pushed the door open. Her last glance was over her shoulder at him, “You're not planning to offer yourself as a bargaining chip with the people from Yu Zhou, are you?” "I doubt they'd be interested even if I offered," Mu Zhian said helplessly, shaking his head. “Your innate constitution can barely accommodate the Harmonious Path right now. Should you advance to the Returning Void stage, who’s to say even the Harmonious Path might not find you useful?” Wei Mengrou noted casually. “If I were Luo Tan, discovering you were born with such a trait, I’d sacrifice some resources to trade and bring you to Yu Zhou for gradual cultivation.” “You’re not Luo Tan, but you are the Progenitor Witch,” Mu Zhian replied with a laugh. “If Sister Mengrou is willing to support me, I’d be more than happy.” Wei Mengrou hesitated slightly, her gaze momentarily vacant. Come to think of it, she was once the mistress of the Sea of Worlds. If Yu Zhou could trade elixirs for Mu Zhian, she could do the same. Though there were still many mysteries surrounding the Progenitor Witch, her identity was now confirmed. Wei Mengrou gave her young master a long look, then transformed into shadow and disappeared out the door. Outside, night winds swept across a sparsely populated courtyard. Mu Zhian retrieved the letter from his ring once more, read it briefly, and then made up his mind to leave the room. No matter what, Yu Zhou is the sanctuary of alchemists. Even if he couldn’t secure the Mind Condensing Elixir, befriending them would make the journey worthwhile. ... Today, the Liangyi Sect was noticeably more lively than usual, thanks to the sealing of the Sanctum and the appearance of several powerful figures, which ignited the disciples' passion for cultivation. After leaving Tianhe Pavilion, Mu Zhian flew by sword to the direction of the South Bank. Within the Liangyi Sect, the South and North Banks cover vast expanses, and without sword flight, it would take half a day to traverse. This territory size aside, the area was also lined with numerous grand halls and cave dwellings. The guests of the current sect were residing on the South Bank. For some unknown reason tonight, few were about the South Bank, shrouded in a blanket of mist. As Mu Zhian neared the front gates of the South Bank, he faintly heard the sounds of an argument outside a distant grand hall. In the Liangyi Sect, such events were rare. After all, in this world of cultivation, most practitioners followed the belief that 'romantic partners only slow down my practice.' Of course, most were simply clueless about how to pursue female cultivators. Hence, whenever they saw someone with a partner or a successful suitor like Mu Zhian, they masked their jealousy with disdain. “Junior Sister, listen to me, the Sanctum must hold something precious. If you persuade your master to give you the token, we could split the treasures evenly!” “Why do you think that a token you couldn’t obtain, I’d magically be able to get?” “You're her favorite disciple. If you speak, there must be a way... I’ll show you the way for free, and should you find something incredible in the Sanctum, it's all yours. Manting, my intentions are sincere, believe me!” “Senior Brother, you indeed are earnest, but how do I recall those past rumors about you entangled with several female cultivators?” The senior brother stammered, “Th-That was beyond my control... I have no clue why they were interested in me, but my heart truly belongs to you. I swear, if I'm lying, let heavens strike me!” In the world of Kyushu, vows weren't made lightly, indicating that while the senior brother was a former philanderer, he'd become a hapless admirer. Yet... of all people, why fall for such a manipulative woman? Just from hearing the senior brother call out her name, Mu Zhian recognized the girl nearby. Huang Manting, heiress of the Morning Star Merchant Association, also previously possessed by the Demon Realm's Empress. Mu Zhian realized that the Demon Realm Empress’s possession might have strict criteria—firstly, someone with an inherently alluring charm; secondly... a cunning woman. As for the pleading senior brother, Mu Zhian vaguely remembered him—Tianji Peak's Sixth Senior, Ding Jingde—who had tricked several innocent junior sisters under the guise of a senior, only to fall head over heels after meeting Huang Manting, willingly kneeling at her mercy. Poor, simple-minded senior brother, toyed with at her fingertips. Having experienced Huang Manting’s beauty first-hand, Mu Zhian knew she wasn’t a tea master of the highest caliber, but at least a skilled practitioner. Ding Jingde was no different from men she encountered plenty of at the merchant association; taming a weak-hearted suitor would be easy. "I've no interest in what the Sanctum holds. If there’s nothing further, senior brother, step aside. The Ascension Conference looms, I must return to cultivation," Huang Manting said aloofly. Despite her dismissal, Ding Jingde persisted shamelessly. “Unless I’m mistaken, you've been seen close to that Mu Zhian. Is it because of him you refuse me?” "I’m not interested in anyone, Mu Zhian included. Please leave, Senior Brother.” Her tone bore the weight of disdain. “Junior Sister—" Before his plea could finish, Huang Manting tapped his forehead lightly with her fingertip. Instantly, Ding Jingde wobbled, eyes glazed as he focused on Huang Manting, then collapsed onto the ground. Around Huang Manting, a delicate pink mist exuded an enchanting aura. Even from a distance, Mu Zhian quickly recognized the source of the pink mist. Demonic energy! Huang Manting is with the Demon Realm?! Impossible! Isn’t she the Merchant Association president’s daughter? When did she align with the Demons?! Mu Zhian’s heart raced, his hands clasped together as a shadowy mist from the Southern Wilds technique formed around him, concealing his aura. But in that silent South Bank courtyard, a soft and alluring voice reached out to him, "Master Mu, why do you turn to leave at the sight of Manting? Do I hold no allure in your eyes?" As the final words were spoken, she glanced towards the column concealing Mu Zhian. Mu Zhian sighed quietly, emerging from behind the column with hands raised, indicating no ill intentions. “Since when did Miss Manting grow so perceptive? Previously, your senses weren’t this developed, were they?” Huang Manting walked gracefully through the mist, her black dress fluttering in the breeze. She drew near to Mu Zhian, nestling against him, her delicate black-nailed finger tracing circles on his chest as she gazed up with a playful smile. “This isn’t the place for conversation. If you don’t mind, perhaps accompany Manting back, and we can talk leisurely.” Mu Zhian shrugged, “Given your invitation, how could I disappoint?” What else could he do? Cry for help about a demon-trained woman? Whatever demon art Huang Manting used subdued Ding Jingde instantly, and as his 'junior brother,' he hardly fared better. ... Back at her elegantly decorated residence, Huang Manting draped her black shawl over the back of a chair before turning to Mu Zhian with a smile. “Does Master Mu have any particular tea preference?” “Any’s fine. I’d love to witness Miss Manting’s tea artistry,” Mu Zhian replied, casually examining his surroundings. Huang Manting’s laughter was melodic. “Since Master Mu insists, allow me to personally prepare a pot.” Her movements exuded elegance as she prepared the tea, while Mu Zhian casually glanced about the room, asking, “Curious if you had any experiences from the other day?” Placing the tea cup before Mu Zhian, she met his eyes with a teasing smile, “Are you wondering if I recall anything from when the Empress possessed me?” "You already gave me the answer, didn’t you?” Mu Zhian chuckled softly, maintaining his calm demeanor. He took a cautious sip of tea to steady his nerves. “I’m also affiliated with Her Majesty the Empress,” Mu Zhian declared after a moment’s pause, revealing his alignment. Huang Manting sat with her legs crossed, her black dress highlighting her alabaster, shapely legs beneath. She leisurely sipped her tea and said, “I know.” “But, I only found out today.” “Someone told you?” Mu Zhian’s curiosity piqued. Huang Manting glanced at him. “The Empress herself.” Hearing the mention of the Demon Realm Empress from her lips sent a ripple of doubt through Mu Zhian’s mind. He had always sensed that the Demon Realm Empress viewed him as nothing more than a pawn, and a covert one at that. Yet, she had divulged such information to Huang Manting? “In fact, I went out tonight specifically to find you.” Huang Manting laughed lightly, adding, “As it happens, Master Mu came on his own.” “Coming to find me at this time of night… Could it be that the Empress wants to silence me permanently?” Mu Zhian joked, though his hand was discretely gripping a communication jade slip. Huang Manting shook her head with a gentle smile. “Not at all, Master Mu. You’ve shown me kindness, and Manting isn’t one to repay kindness with betrayal.” Placing her teacup down gently, she continued, “I simply need a favor from you.” “Please, speak, Miss Manting.” “The Empress instructed me to convey a strand of your spiritual sense back to the Demon Realm,” Huang Manting said, her voice soft as she turned to face Mu Zhian. “A strand of spiritual sense...?” Mu Zhian remained expressionless but tightened his grip on the jade slip secretly. “How would my spiritual sense reach the Demon Realm?” If Huang Manting showed any sign of aggression, he would instantly use the slip to call Wei Mengrou for help. “It's quite simple.” However, Huang Manting made no aggressive moves. Instead, she brought her exquisite face closer to Mu Zhian’s. Her small crimson lips parted, and she exhaled a pink mist that was sweetly fragrant. “That will do.” She watched with an amused smile as Mu Zhian slumped over the table. ... The Demon Realm. Its location was inconceivably far from the Eastern Continent. Even practitioners at the Spirit Refinement stage, traveling tirelessly at full flight, would take at least five days to reach it. Having absorbed the original Demon Emperor's essence, the Demon Realm Empress couldn’t easily leave the Northern Continent. Normally, she might prioritize refining the essence over dealing with Mu Zhian. But the Demon Realm Empress was anything but normal. Mu Zhian’s body couldn’t be brought to the Demon Realm without resistance from others. However, a strand of his spiritual sense could be swiftly transported. For a powerful practitioner at the Harmonious Path stage, achieving this was effortless. And with that spiritual essence, many things could be accomplished... Mu Zhian slowly opened his eyes. A foreign ceiling came into view, almost mocking him: Hah, unfamiliar human. The grand hall’s surroundings exuded an air of magnificence, with three unfamiliar cultivators lined on each side. Where was this…? Mu Zhian held his head, feeling an emptiness in his body, and slowly stood up, looking ahead. At the far end was a golden throne adorned with a serpent’s head, before which sat a stunningly beautiful enchantress in a lavish gown. Her figure was flawless, tall and elegant with a captivating face, exuding authority and seductive allure. Her voluptuous allure was indescribable. “The Demon Realm Empress…?” Mu Zhian was momentarily stunned, meeting her mesmerizing eyes. Their gazes locked, and a big question mark popped into Mu Zhian’s mind. What the hell, I wake up in the Demon Realm?! “You all may leave.” The Demon Realm Empress suddenly spoke. She rose leisurely from the throne, her enchanting eyes calmly fixed on Mu Zhian. “I’d like to have a private conversation with him.” In this moment, Mu Zhian found himself in an entirely serene and detached state, surrendering himself to the unfamiliar environment and the Empress on her throne. The Demon Realm Empress watched him serenely and asked with a smile, "Do you have nothing to say?" With composure and humility, Mu Zhian cupped his hands in a gesture of respect. "Since Her Majesty has brought—guided me to the Demon Realm, it must be for a worthy reason." Damn you, Huang Manting. Not only becoming the Empress’s minion but also hauling my essence here… and this stunning snake lady... Mu Zhian bit down on his tongue, forcibly halting the dangerous flow of thoughts. Clearing his mind was crucial. The Demon Realm Empress could read minds. Any disrespectful thought in his head would likely be detected immediately. Calming himself, Mu Zhian respectfully asked, “Might I inquire why Her Majesty brought my spiritual essence here?” The Demon Realm Empress did not answer immediately, her eyes swirling with complexity as she regarded Mu Zhian before resuming her regal composure. “There are matters I wish to investigate, and I require your cooperation.” End of Chapter 327 Next Chapter: Immortal Ascension Conference Commences, The Demon Realm Empress’s Favor In this unforeseen predicament, Mu Zhian maintained a philosophically calm demeanor, gazing at the enigmatic environment and the commanding Empress beyond.