331 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Chapter 333: So They Were the Protagonists All Along** The ancient emperor awoke from his meditation in the expansive, silent hall. Only the grand eunuch stood by his side, serving as a protector. In this vast palace, there wasn't a single soul in sight. The concubines, empress, and even the palace maids had long been 'banished' from the sleeping chambers by the old emperor. The Great Qian Emperor had lived an ascetic life for over ten years, now well into his sixties. In the past, he had enlisted Gu Boxin as the national advisor of the Great Qian Dynasty, following the path of cultivation solely for the pursuit of immortality—to become the first emperor in history to attain the Tao of eternal life. While other emperors across the Nine Provinces enjoyed royal courts filled with thousands of companions, the lonely path of cultivation was traveled by only one—the emperor of the Eastern Continent’s Great Qian Dynasty. He longed for longevity to reign over his empire for many years to come. Inevitably, this led to widespread resentment, yet he was the emperor. No matter how dissatisfied his subjects were, they could only hold their displeasure in their hearts. As for the officials’ vehement remonstrations? They were few and far between. The constant factional strife within the court, orchestrated by the emperor himself, left him sitting more securely on his throne. “Has Your Majesty completed his meditation?” the grand eunuch noticed immediately, hurrying over to the emperor’s side. Unexpectedly, the emperor seemed rather animated, standing up promptly and striding out of the palace. He looked up at the sky, seeing what ordinary eyes could not—he had been cultivating for over a decade, after all. Spiritual energy! Rich spiritual energy was saturating the realm! The Great Qian Emperor calmed himself and exhaled slowly, saying, “Send for the national advisor. I have matters to discuss with him.” ... Soon, a man in a Taoist robe with a resolute expression strode into the great hall. The old emperor rose to greet him, dismissing the grand eunuch with a wave of his hand, “National Advisor—” Before he could finish, Gu Boxin gave a slight nod, “I already know what Your Majesty wishes to discuss.” “The death of the first Great Demon Emperor heralds the dawn of a new celestial era. The rules of heaven and earth are being rewritten, and soon, the spiritual energy in this world will suffice for me to grasp the charm of the Tao and step into the Awakening Stage.” The emperor’s eyes lit up at these words: “If, in the future, the national advisor ascends to the Awakening Stage…” Gu Boxin seemed to understand the emperor's thoughts and replied with a smile, “Once I step into the Awakening Stage, Your Majesty too will be able to utilize the empire’s willpower to achieve longevity—not eternal existence but ruling this dynasty unbroken for a thousand years.” The Great Qian Emperor was overjoyed and laughed heartily, “That is splendid!” However, Gu Boxin paused for a moment and then said somberly, “But before then, I'm afraid Your Majesty's empire may face destruction first.” The old emperor froze in place. After a moment, he furrowed his brows, “What do you mean by that, National Advisor?” Gu Boxin gave the emperor a deep look and said, “Your Majesty hasn’t remembered yet? The matter of the Cursed Body…” The emperor’s brows knitted tightly, staring at Gu Boxin, speechless. “It’s rumored that the head of the Dual Yi Sect is proficient in the mysteries of the Nine Peaks and can perceive the workings of the cosmos. If not for the recent rewriting of the celestial laws, even I might have forgotten about the existence of the Cursed Body…” Gu Boxin spoke in a low tone, admiringly. “The national advisor suggests... that we have already identified the owner of the Cursed Body, but our memories of it were erased…?” The emperor caught on and asked. Gu Boxin nodded slightly, “Your Majesty must recall Mu Zhi’an, correct? He’s the young master of the Mu family who injured the third prince. His maid is the Cursed Body.” He had only recalled these matters, hidden from the mind by celestial forces, after the recent rewriting of the laws. Wei Mengrou was the Cursed Body, and previously, he had attempted to take her but was thwarted by the Empress of the Demon Realm… The reason given for intervening was to protect a mere minor cultivator? Not even a fool would believe such nonsense. Undoubtedly, the Empress of the Demon Realm shielding Wei Mengrou hints at using the Cursed Body to consume the entirety of the dynasty. After that, the Demon Realm could launch a major invasion of the Eastern Continent. With furrowed brows, the emperor pondered deeply, “If it truly was the sect leader who erased the memories concerning the Cursed Body, wouldn't that mean she intends to protect the maid? If so…” “Then collaboration with others becomes unavoidable,” Gu Boxin said in a haunting tone. “While it's challenging for the Great Qian Dynasty to shake the position of the Dual Yi Sect, what the Great Qian Dynasty cannot achieve does not mean others cannot.” The old emperor knitted his brows, seemingly deep in thought. Then Gu Boxin continued, “But before that, there is one last attempt I wish to make. If it succeeds, there might be no need to seek alliances.” “What do you mean, National Advisor?” “I have a secret method capable of quietly infiltrating dreams and extracting one's consciousness from it.” Gu Boxin smiled softly, “Entering a sect physically would be instantly detected… but if it’s not the actual body, it might avoid detection.” “Judging by your earlier implications, weren’t you stopped by the Empress of the Demon Realm the last time you ventured to the martial world?” The emperor seemed to be harboring concerns, faltering somewhat. Gu Boxin gave a slight nod, saying, “From a standpoint of interest, the Empress of the Demon Realm naturally wouldn’t wish for Wei Mengrou to be taken by us. The Cursed Body affects the realm’s luck, and resolving it through Wei Mengrou would not be strategically advantageous for the Demon Realm.” “To be blunt, the luck of the Great Qian Dynasty indirectly aids cultivators of the Eastern Continent.” In plain terms, within the Eastern Continent, those with Eastern Continent lineage receive an extra share of providence, including powerful figures in the Unity Stage. Should the Empress of the Demon Realm wish to conquer the Eastern Continent in the future, the first obstacle would be the Great Qian Dynasty's fortune. “However, this is still the Eastern Continent, and Wei Mengrou remains within the Dual Yi Sect.” A confident smile surfaced on Gu Boxin’s face, “Does Your Majesty truly think the Empress of the Demon Realm can reside within the Dual Yi Sect to protect Mu Zhi’an?” At the end of the day, such an exalted presence would never concern herself with earthly beings. No matter how much value she places on Wei Mengrou, it’s impossible for her to personally stand guard over her. Moreover, it’s the Dual Yi Sect—Shang Yanfei would also never permit the Empress to linger within. This plan has a success rate exceeding ninety percent. ... As for the Empress of the Demon Realm, Mu Zhi’an had encountered her several times before. Yet, every time he faced this ruler of the demon domain, he was instinctively cautious. She possessed mind-reading capabilities—a decisive ability in pinpointing deception. Whatever thoughts crossed his mind were practically laid bare to the Empress of the Demon Realm. If, at any moment, a bold notion about this alluring and captivating mature beauty popped into his mind, perhaps she would use his head as a seat. For this reason, even now, as Mu Zhi’an tightly embraced the Empress’s supple waist, he maintained his rationality, trying his best to empty his mind. Nevertheless, the unique aroma and enchanting allure of this sultry mature woman almost irresistibly threatened to drown him in its charm. The Empress of the Demon Realm, on the other side, sat with closed eyes, seemingly recalling the warmth she once felt in Mu Zhi’an’s embrace compared to now, discerning what difference existed between the two. After a while, she opened her eyes slowly. Seeing Mu Zhi’an’s gentlemanly demeanor as he remained composed, a faint smile brightened her gaze. She leaned into his ear and said softly, “Relax a little. Am I truly that frightening?” At the moment, she couldn’t read a single useful thought from Mu Zhi’an’s mind… In some way, Mu Zhi’an’s method of emptying his mind was indeed impressive. Even the Western Domain's Buddha might not maintain such composure. Mu Zhi’an turned his head slightly, maintaining his composure, “Your Majesty can read minds. I merely wish to prevent any disrespectful thoughts towards you…” The Empress peered into his eyes and chuckled softly, “I don’t perpetually intrude upon others’ minds, and besides… your irreverence would also be an acknowledgment of my charm.” When you put it that way… Mu Zhi’an averted his gaze slightly, meeting her bewitching eyes. “Do you truly mean that?” His hands were still wrapped around the Empress's soft waist, resisting the urge to let his grasp drift lower. The Empress replied with a seductive smile, “I am not so petty.” “In addition, ever since you entered this hall, I haven’t read your mind.” Mu Zhi’an murmured an “Oh,” appearing contemplative yet still maintaining his cautious demeanor. Ultimately, he held a skeptical outlook, wary of fabricating scenarios wherein this alluring woman might suddenly become hostile. This was dreamland, after all, and the means of a powerful cultivator in unity with the Tao were beyond comprehension. “How long do we have until the transfer of the Emperor-level medicinal materials is complete?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked. The Empress narrowed her eyes, teasing with a smile, “Why do you entertain such odd notions? Even I cannot directly extract what you’ve refined within the innate furnace.” Mu Zhi’an blinked in confusion, “Then, the reason you allowed me to embrace you was…?” “Our contact allows me to assess the progress of your innate furnace.” The Empress of the Demon Realm gracefully raised her fingertip, revealing a vibrant purple petal nestled in her palm. “This is the Ziyang Flower, a refined concealment artifact. Once worn, it renders the bearer’s demon aura undetectable.” She handed the Ziyang Flower to Mu Zhi’an and continued, “As for the evolutionary means of the Nine-Tailed Fox, it requires a specific pill.” Mu Zhi’an released his grip around the Empress’s waist, carefully storing the Ziyang Flower before inquiring earnestly, “What kind of pill?” “The Tai Xu Pill, a ninth-grade elixir,” the Empress detailed, “Its ingredients are documented in ancient alchemical texts, but those who can craft it are exceedingly rare.” “To be frank, should anyone discover that you seek to craft the Tai Xu Pill, they would surely refuse your request.” The Tai Xu Pill is exceedingly unique, with a singular purpose: to facilitate the evolution of a ‘demon.’ No one wishes for an invincible force to emerge unchecked, particularly when Bai Ruoxi, who once reached the Unity Stage and now inherits the Nine-Tailed Fox bloodline, could combine these talents to terrifying effect. After pondering for a moment, Mu Zhi’an asked, “Does Your Majesty know anyone capable of crafting the Tai Xu Pill?” “Luo Tan,” the Empress replied blandly. Luo Tan… Mu Zhi’an recalled a regal woman with a black silk dress edged with gold and long, elegant legs. Then he suddenly paused, realizing something. I remember she once invited me to Southern Shore, but I got sidetracked… Mu Zhi’an was momentarily stunned. Damn, did I stand her up?! “What’s wrong?” The Empress noticed Mu Zhi’an’s pensive demeanor and asked. Composing himself, Mu Zhi’an cast a subtle look at the Empress and said, “Oh, nothing… just reminiscing about some peculiar incidents.” Observing the Empress's demeanor, he now had reason to believe her earlier claim that she hadn’t read his mind. “Since the rewriting of the celestial laws, previously concealed cosmic secrets will also fade away,” the Empress mentioned casually. Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered with interest, “What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?” Instead of answering directly, the Empress posed a question of her own, “The Cursed Body is of utmost importance to the Great Qian Dynasty. So why do you think Gu Boxin has not troubled you since returning to the dynasty?” Mu Zhi’an pondered deeply until a revelation sparked in his mind, making him look up, “Are you suggesting that the existence of the Cursed Body was once shrouded, causing them to forget that Sister Mengrou is the Cursed Body?” “But with the rewriting of the laws, cosmic secrets are leaking, causing ‘Cursed Body’ to resurface in people’s minds?” Initially, Mu Zhi’an thought Gu Boxin refrained from acting due to fear of the Dual Yi Sect’s influence, but upon reflection, the sect was the most sacred and neutral territory in the Eastern Continent, unlikely to provoke conflict. Ultimately, the Eastern Continent, and the rest of the Nine Provinces, respected the Dual Yi Sect largely because of its neutrality. Unless the sect members were attacked. However, considering Wei Mengrou’s unique status, what if Gu Boxin visited the sect, clearly laid out the pros and cons, and promised not to harm her? Under such circumstances, would the sect still protect Wei Mengrou? “What kind of person is Gu Boxin, does Your Majesty know?” Mu Zhi’an asked respectfully. “He was a past nobody, lucking into some opportunities in the Sea of Worlds. Later, he was invited by the Great Qian Emperor to become a national advisor, cultivating resources with the support of a nation,” the Empress explained serenely. “He excels at divining cosmic mysteries and dreaming arts. His previous bold move against you in the martial world likely relied on the collective power of the masses he represents.” Mu Zhi’an contemplated, deep in thought. The Empress continued, “The Great Qian Dynasty won’t relinquish the issue of the Cursed Body. The Dual Yi Sect isn’t solely governed by Shang Yanfei. Even if she wished to protect your maid wholeheartedly, that’s feasible, but without personal ties, she won’t go to such lengths.” “But knowing your nature, you probably won’t abandon your maid, will you?” She gazed softly at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes twinkling with unspoken thoughts. Mu Zhi’an remained silent. “However, there is, in fact, a simple solution at hand,” the Empress suddenly suggested. Mu Zhi’an gave her a curious glance, “Please enlighten me, Your Majesty.” With a slight curve of her lips, the Empress revealed her intentions, “Accompany me back to the Northern Continent.” Unfazed, Mu Zhi’an responded, “Your Majesty isn’t worried about the Cursed Body affecting the fate of the Demon Realm?” “Only the weak seek excuses, relinquishing responsibility upon one person.” The Empress declared calmly, “The old emperor’s obsession with cultivation means the decline of his dynasty is inevitable, but as for the Demon Realm, accommodating you and your maid is no issue.” After mulling it over, Mu Zhi’an replied sincerely, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s generous offer. I will seriously consider it.” The Empress’s interest in him stemmed from the potential of his innate furnace and Wei Mengrou, yet if feasible, Mu Zhi’an naturally preferred to stay in the Eastern Continent. After all, his beloveds were here. “Speaking of which, that emperor-level medicine is still within me,” Mu Zhi’an tentatively asked, “Don’t you want it back?” “No rush. Keep the emperor-level medicine for now.” The Empress’s lips curled into an enchanting smile, casting a deep look at Mu Zhi’an, “I’ll claim it another day. For now, just keep it safe for me.” --- **Next Chapter: Opening as a Superhero in a Crossover**