341 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Chapter 341: Origins Revealed** Being associated with the Azure Emperor itself was a fortuitous occurrence. Mu Zhi'an gazed at the scene before him, silently marveling at the revelation. Spending so much time with Yao Meng, he'd almost forgotten the true identity of this celestial being. She was recorded in ancient texts as the Azure Emperor…only at moments like these did he truly comprehend this reality. After a brief moment of reflection, watching as the head figures were preparing to depart, Mu Zhi'an noticed a lingering gaze from the window sill. He followed the direction directly. The Original Witch. "..." Mu Zhi'an suddenly came to a realization. Damn, if they all just leave, what do I do…? Finally responding, he lifted his gaze towards the head figures, quickly suggesting, "Since all of you have come, why not stay for a cup of tea and chat?” Initially, his plan was to sit and chat casually with these figures in the main hall, waiting for Yao Meng and the Original Witch to calm down before addressing them one by one. But if the figures just left like this… Just then, Yao Meng spoke calmly, "I need to instruct him in cultivation later. If there’s nothing else, kindly return." Hearing Yao Meng’s words, the head figures glanced at Mu Zhi'an with a deeper meaning before politely cupping their hands, transforming into streaks of light, and leaving Tianhe Garden. Mu Zhi'an watched as this happened and fell into a brief contemplation. Quickly gathering his thoughts, he looked into the sky and said, "I've never seen the heads so invested in something. Truly eye-opening experience." "Cultivation is fraught with hardships. Even geniuses people spoke of often fell mid-journey. As long as a breakthrough is possible, those head figures won't miss the chance." Yao Meng said lightly. At this moment, the Original Witch, who had been silent, also spoke softly, "Most geniuses from my era are gone. Those who remain have little hope of advancing further and wait for their life span to end." Mu Zhi'an had a thoughtful expression: "The path to immortality is paved with bones. Even the most gifted need some luck. Without it, one might be stalled at a certain realm, unable to advance." "Indeed." The Original Witch quietly appeared next to Mu Zhi'an. Under Yao Meng's gaze, she entwined her arm around his, speaking with a gentle tone, "So, we should cherish our time together, don't you think, Mu Lang?" With particular emphasis on 'Mu Lang,' she seemed to be mimicking Yao Meng's earlier tone, even stealing a glance at her. However, Yao Meng continued to watch with a smile, showing no anger. Though she outwardly disapproved of Mu Zhi'an's closeness with other girls, if the Original Witch's memory served, in a past life, she and Mu Zhi'an were dao partners. Naturally, there was no need to stop them. Even without that reason, to maintain her celestial image, she couldn't stop the Original Witch even if she wanted to. Feeling the Original Witch lean gently against him, Mu Zhi'an felt a sinking sensation in his heart. When he saw the celestial being before him seemed undeterred, he glanced at her again, finding that Yao Meng was still looking at him with a faint smile, seemingly unbothered. Not only Mu Zhi'an but even the Original Witch, hidden beneath her hood, showed signs of puzzlement. She had just been sarcastic with Yao Meng, yet when she made the first move, the Azure Emperor didn't respond...? But, she thought, as she still held Mu Zhi'an's arm, looking at Yao Meng with a hint of a playful smile under her silver eyes—a victory for her. Mu Zhi'an didn't resist, seemingly accepting her embrace. Of course, it could also be because Mu Zhi'an's actions were restricted due to the aura. “Sorry…” Mu Zhi'an transmitted mentally to Yao Meng. To the world, this celestial being was a kind elder sister, but Mu Zhi'an, having shared a bed with her a few times, somewhat understood her. Beneath her surface, she was cautious... seemingly indifferent now, but there was no telling what dangerous thoughts she harbored. Just as Mu Zhi'an understood Yao Meng, she softly licked her glossy lips, making them appear more supple. Then, a soft, melodious voice resonated in Mu Zhi'an's mind: "If you truly wish to apologize, a more loving expression tonight would be preferred, wouldn't you say?" Her green eyes shifted to the Original Witch. The woman before him, appearing frail, like a sickly princess, clung to Mu Zhi'an's arm, silver eyes smiling lightly, as if declaring ownership. “Your aura is still weak. You probably can't maintain this form for more than half an hour,” Yao Meng stated calmly, appearing completely composed. They'd been conversing for almost half an hour already. Should the Original Witch continue like this, it would make regaining her full spiritual consciousness much harder in the future. Hearing this, Mu Zhi'an glanced at the black-robed woman beside him. Even he could sense her frailty. “Until we discover a way to fully restore your spiritual consciousness, you should avoid straining yourself,” he advised. The Original Witch looked at Yao Meng, noting her serene demeanor, and furrowed her brows slightly. Yao Meng's words were still fresh in her mind, making her uneasy about leaving Mu Zhi'an alone with her. Yet, as Yao Meng had pointed out, she wasn't close to recovering and couldn't maintain Wei Mengrou's body for long. “When I'm not around, take care of yourself,” the Original Witch told him softly. Mu Zhi'an perceived the disappearing presence of the Original Witch, indicating her spiritual consciousness was entering dormancy. Watching closely, Yao Meng gracefully moved beside Mu Zhi'an and, under the Original Witch's gaze, planted a kiss on his cheek, leaving her mark. Casually, she turned and her lips moved slightly. A soft, melodious voice whispered in the Original Witch's ear, “I’ll experience your dao partner on your behalf tonight.” “Both his body and natural cauldron.” Witnessing the gradually cooling gaze of the Original Witch, Yao Meng allowed a faint smile, ready to lead Mu Zhi'an inside. Yet, at that moment, she sensed something amiss… the Original Witch's aura, which had vanished, suddenly filled the space once more! Mu Zhi'an noticed it too and turned instinctively to see a spectral figure with silver hair emerging from Wei Mengrou's body. The Original Witch! Mu Zhi'an exclaimed, "Did you leave Mengrou Sister's cauldron?" Logically, the Original Witch's spiritual consciousness should have recuperated within Wei Mengrou's cauldron. Instead, here she was, having emerged from it?! Yet, the Original Witch didn’t address Mu Zhi'an's query—she gently floated before him and stated earnestly, "Your emotions and body are mine alone.” “Thus—” The Original Witch’s slender finger pressed against his chest, smiling gently, “Henceforth, here shall be my sanctuary.” She cast Yao Meng a sidelong glance, then let her spirit softly merge with Mu Zhi'an, claiming the natural cauldron that was supposed to belong to Yao Meng. This scene made the serene smile on Yao Meng's face begin to dissipate. **Chapter 311: Mu Zhi'an: So I'm a shared commodity? (4.5K)** With the Original Witch’s spiritual consciousness merging into Mu Zhi'an’s natural cauldron, her satisfied, pleasant voice echoed faintly, causing Yao Meng’s eyes to widen slightly in disbelief. Once exalted, her unperturbed smile subdued somewhat as a large question mark loomed in her mind. "I... I was faced with betrayal right before my eyes…?" The fairy from the Sacred Land of Jade Pool felt a surge of incredulous absurdity. Though she experienced countless pleasures from Mu Zhi'an, not only as her devoted subject but also through multiple instances of spiritual satisfaction. One being the delight derived from emotional betrayal. **Mu Zhi'an's Unique Innate Cauldron** Mu Zhi'an's innate cauldron could at most accommodate the spiritual consciousness of a single Divine Integration cultivator. In other words, once the Original Witch entered his cauldron, Yao Meng could no longer set foot within… unless the Original Witch chose to vacate Mu Zhi'an's body. In simpler terms, Mu Zhi'an's innate cauldron was like a single-occupancy room. Even if his cultivation realm advanced, it could only harbor one spiritual consciousness. After all, accommodating the spiritual awareness of a Divine Integration cultivator isn’t something any cauldron can manage; only exceptional cauldrons, like the innate one, could accomplish such a feat. For an ordinary person, just the entry of a Divine Integration spiritual awareness would likely shatter their cauldron under the pressure. This was a major reason Yao Meng previously struggled to find someone able to aid her. In the past, Yao Meng was nearly prepared to face imminent demise until, against all odds, she encountered an innate cauldron—an enhanced one at that. Due to this innate cauldron, Yao Meng awakened a peculiar interest which cemented her nickname as the 'Azure Emperor.' Sneaking intimacy with Mu Zhi'an away from Bai Ruo Xi, kissing her beloved Mu in front of Ye Lingxuan, and having Qi'er, who secretly admired Mu, as her disciple… Yao Meng had effectively been a playful rogue behind many girls' backs. Yet, not even Yao Meng foresaw a day when she would find herself outwitted in the same way… And to have it unfold right before her eyes… No one ever anticipated the Original Witch would make such a pivotal move at the last moment. Mu Zhi'an scanned his innate cauldron with his spiritual sense, and upon detecting the slumbering spiritual consciousness inside, he sighed helplessly, "She's asleep." Yao Meng quickly collected her thoughts, her demeanor steady as befitting an emperor experienced over millennia. She smiled subtly at him, "The Original Witch's spiritual awareness is quite weak. If she can find warmth within you, it’s alright." "But," Yao Meng suddenly shifted, "the aura within my cauldron is also lacking. I too require some of the spiritual energy from the innate cauldron, so…" Though she left the sentence unfinished, Mu Zhi'an comprehended her meaning. Essentially, 'Even if you're inside the cauldron, I've still got the upper hand on you, right before your eyes,' was likely Yao Meng's underlying message. Silently lamenting, Mu Zhi'an turned with genuine sincerity towards her bright figure in green, gazing at her smiling face. Taking her delicate hand in his, he softly said, "I've told you before, no matter how much spiritual energy you need, I'll fully satisfy you." At least they hadn't begun fighting. That was already a positive outcome… Mu Zhi'an consoled himself. If the Original Witch’s power hadn’t been limited, and they’d started a fight in Tianhe Garden leading to an outbreak… the one in trouble would have been him. While he spoke, Mu Zhi'an discreetly noted Yao Meng’s expression. If she was visibly affected by the Witch situation, he'd continue to console her. If push came to shove, he might transform into the obsequious suppliant before the Ascension Tournament began, ensuring she was appeased before he left. If, on the other hand, Yao Meng seemed indifferent, he’d let the topic rest for now. The ethereal celestial narrowed her eyes slightly, speaking softly, "I visited the Great Qian Dynasty yesterday." This implied the issue was temporarily settled... Understanding dawned on the astute Mu Zhi'an: "Did you go seeking Gu Boxin?" Surprisingly, Yao Meng’s cauldron aura wasn’t fully recovered, yet she still perceived Gu Boxin's intrusion at Tianhe Garden last night. Neither Mu Zhi'an nor Gu Boxin anticipated the prowess of those at the Divine Integration realm. Having never glimpsed that realm’s full extent, they couldn’t fathom such beings’ cosmic abilities. Judging their power by conventional standards was unrealistic. On reflection, Gu Boxin was terribly unlucky. In the past, when traversing the World Sea, he stumbled upon a fortuitous encounter connected to the Original Witch. Now, obsessed with her, he sought the opportunity she left behind in the Nine Provinces via the "Misfortune Body." Except, Gu Boxin remained oblivious that the Original Witch he sought was, in fact, the "Misfortune Body" he pursued. Had he been able to divinate the heavens, he might first check his own fortune... Mu Zhi'an shook his head, feeling wordless. Gu Boxin’s misfortune closely rivals Wei Mengrou’s. "On my way out last night, I encountered an old acquaintance," Yao Meng remarked suddenly. Under Mu Zhi'an's inquiring gaze, she elaborated, "The Reincarnated Empress." "A companion of Lingxuan, then…" Mu Zhi'an murmured to himself. "Do you think me or her meddlesome?" Yao Meng casually asked. Mu Zhi'an shook his head, laughing, "Both you and Sister Lingxuan have my well-being at heart, which is gratifying." Others might feel embarrassed or guilty, but Mu Zhi'an intended from the start to ride this wave. Feeling shame wasn’t part of the plan. Instead, there was a satisfaction in nurturing "fish" in this "pond" of his. Beaming bright, Yao Meng retrieved a storage ring from her sleeve, handing it to Mu Zhi'an. "Then store the pills those head figures gifted you. Your cultivation advancement aids me as well." Upon taking the ring, Yao Meng quietly nodded approvingly with a faint smile. Until now, Mu Zhi'an’s actions never disappointed her. Unlike prideful geniuses with odd principles, Mu Zhi'an’s honesty suited her better. When Mu Zhi'an privately expressed affection for her, Yao Meng contemplated the future. Previously dismissing the idea of a dao partner, given her overwhelming talent which outshone her peers, Yao Meng found little allure in mere aptitude or background influence. Though Mu Zhi'an was talented—she had witnessed countless geniuses—those achieving Divine Integration were rare, perhaps one in five thousand years. What she valued in Mu Zhi'an was his sincerity, adaptability, and… the fact he had dao partners. Moreover, Mu Zhi'an carried no peculiar pride, which pleased her immensely. She lacked for nothing—be it rare resources or pills—but Mu Zhi'an needed these things. Overall, a stronger Mu Zhi'an benefited her as well, making his straightforward acceptance of the pills quite relieving. While Mu Zhi'an's two dao partners weren't pushovers, with Gong Lianyue aside, the Original Witch, despite her frail façade, wielded decisive and sharp methods. --- And so, navigating this web of complex relationships and entwining fates, Mu Zhi'an finds himself at the center of an intricate, unpredictable dance of power and affection. As chapters weave new details into this unfolding narrative, his journey in the realm remains both fascinating and perilous.