342 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Fan Novel Website Search Fan Novels Complete Fan Works Ongoing Fan Works Rankings Home > Fan Novels > Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists Chapter 342 of Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists Author: ccc Recalling the words spoken by the primordial witch before she entered Mu Zhian's innate furnace, Yao Meng's eyes deepened with a cold, mysterious light. At that moment, Mu Zhian suddenly asked, "By the way, has the celestial sister ever heard of the Heavenly Court?" Yao Meng’s thoughts converged slightly, and she looked at Mu Zhian in surprise. "How did you come to know about it?" It seemed she truly knew about the matter... Mu Zhian briefly explained the matter regarding the first demon emperor hiding a technique in the Sanctuary. Since he and Qing Di already shared a mutual understanding, Mu Zhian saw no need for deliberate secrecy. "The Divine Phoenix technique ended up in your hands...?" Upon hearing this, Yao Meng's eyes brightened, and a sense of surprise emerged in her gaze toward Mu Zhian. "Mastering the Divine Phoenix technique to its zenith allows one to preserve their spirit, be reborn through nirvana, enriching their body with spiritual energy ninefold instantly...though the entry requirements are exceptionally high, learning this technique would greatly benefit your future." As she finished speaking, her eyes took on a contemplative look once more: "But to think the Divine Phoenix technique originates from the Heavenly Court...that’s something I’ve heard for the first time." "So, what exactly is the Heavenly Court?" Mu Zhian asked, earnestly eager for enlightenment. Recovering from her earlier thoughts, Yao Meng replied, "In the past, some believed the Heavenly Court was not part of the Nine Provinces but beyond all realms, where those who unite with the Dao could ascend." "So, the Heavenly Court is identical to the Immortal Realm?" Mu Zhian caught on to the implication in Yao Meng's words. "They are indeed the same concept," Yao Meng affirmed with a soft nod. With a thoughtful gleam in her eyes, she continued in a gentler tone, "The first demon emperor was likely aware of some secrets regarding the Heavenly Court as he was the inaugural person to practice the Divine Phoenix technique." "However, now that he is truly dead, there is likely no one left who knows the secrets of the Heavenly Court..." Yao Meng quickly shook her head, chuckling softly, "Well, the Empress of the Demon Realm might know a thing or two as well." Despite saying this, she didn't particularly mind the affairs of the Heavenly Court, and commented lightly, "If it's just to satisfy curiosity, pursuing this matter is immaterial. Regardless of the Heavenly Court’s existence, today's world allows for the enlightenment of the Dao." "As long as one can attain enlightenment, it doesn’t matter whether it’s in the Nine Provinces or the Heavenly Court." "Besides, there’s something else that concerns me more..." With emerald eyes, Yao Meng casually glanced at Wei Mengrou, who stood quietly in the corner, smiling as she spoke, "Wei, do you have a way to return the primordial witch back into your furnace?" Wei Mengrou exchanged a glance with Mu Zhian, then replied calmly, "I’m afraid I have no control over her spirit. Besides, since she’s already in his furnace, I have no way to extract her." Mu Zhian noted the sudden darkening in Yao Meng's eyes. "It seems that until her spirit is fully healed, she won’t be leaving your innate furnace," Yao Meng stated without expression. "The spirit energy within my furnace is rather unique. If it can help her heal sooner, then it might not be such a bad thing. Plus, since she’s in slumber, it won’t interfere with our usual cultivation." Mu Zhian subtly implied, 'Our dual cultivation won't be affected.' Expecting Yao Meng, an ethereal fairy with mature, understanding demeanor, wouldn't appreciate contention, he was taken aback when she retorted coolly, "You could’ve outright refused her entry into your innate furnace back then." It was indeed Mu Zhian's innate furnace, and if he willed it, he could've sealed his furnace with spiritual energy before the primordial witch entered. Now, beyond her, there seemed to be other spirits entering Mu Zhian's innate furnace as if it had become a public space accessible to all. Mu Zhian mentally grumbled, thinking, 'Why does everyone treat my innate furnace like public transportation?' Yet he merely smiled wryly. "At that moment, things happened so fast I couldn't react in time." To her credit, Yao Meng did not pursue the topic further. After all, even she couldn't predict the primordial witch’s move...in fact, it wasn't anyone’s spirit that could just enter Mu Zhian's innate furnace. Not many knew the secret of his innate furnace. Regardless...the primordial witch was, after all, his former Dao companion; how could she possibly be unaware? Now, no amount of words could change anything. If later, during close moments with Mu Zhian, the primordial witch suddenly appeared...just imagining it would ruin any mood. Now, the primordial witch might be asleep, but given her prior activity in Mu Zhian’s furnace, she could awaken intermittently. Thinking this, dissatisfying thoughts first filled Yao Meng's mind, followed unexpectedly by a light of intrigue as something amusing crossed her mind. A moment later, her lips curved slightly into a faint smile. As a matter of fact...the Pureworld Azure Lotus can suppress others’ furnaces, meaning the innate furnace could likewise be suppressed by it. While dual cultivating, if the Pureworld Azure Lotus suppressed Mu Zhian's innate furnace, even if the primordial witch perceived the outside world's happenings, she wouldn't be able to manifest, only watch helplessly... As playful thoughts danced through her mind, the flawless fairy bit her lip softly, suppressing an amused smile. Seeing Yao Meng's mood lightening a bit, Mu Zhian seized the opportunity and spoke aptly, "Celestial sister, soon I must prepare for today's competition, so I’ll head back to my room." Yao Meng smiled and nodded. "I'll watch how you perform later." After parting ways with Yao Meng, Mu Zhian left Tianhe Courtyard and settled under one of the pavilions in the Glazed Hall, letting out a slow breath of relief. From a short distance beside him, an unfazed maid's mocking laughter sounded, laced with schadenfreude. Mu Zhian playfully patted the icy beauty's thigh, sighing, "Sister Mengrou, shouldn't you be helping your master with advice now, and at least show a little sympathy?" He praised, albeit inwardly, 'Sister Mengrou's attitude may be cool, but her skin is surprisingly soft.' Wei Mengrou glared down at him, peeking briefly at his imprudent hand, a flicker of shyness crossing her eyes. "If timed correctly, your match should be at the hour of Shen, so why have you come out early? Trying to elude that celestial’s punishment?" "Yao Meng isn't that kind of person; she wouldn't do anything punitive," Mu Zhian assured with a shake of his head. Pausing briefly, he added, "I wonder if meeting the Empress of Yuzhou now might be too late." Previously, he had been invited by a maid from beside Luotan to meet her, but got kidnapped midway... If he sought a meeting now, she might not even entertain it. "Didn't the Empress of the Demon Realm already say? She can't possibly refine a Tai Xu pill." Wei Mengrou easily inferred Mu Zhian’s intention. "She might be able to craft a Tai Xu pill, but would she do so for someone with potential rivaling the Demon Realm's Empress?" Among the world’s nine ranks of demon cultivators, any demon who ingests a Tai Xu pill would undergo a qualitative transformation. A demon like Bai Ruoxi, already possessing a ninth-rank potential, would have great chances of ascending to a Nine-Tailed Fox after taking it. Lying on Wei Mengrou's soft, white thighs, Mu Zhian sank into contemplation. Indeed, even if he met Luotan, she likely wouldn’t fulfill such a request... Figures like the Spiritual Dragon or the Demon Realm's Empress, both ninth-rank "demon" beings, wouldn’t craft a Tai Xu pill just to see Dongzhou gain an equal to the Demon Realm's Empress. Unless...he could tempt her with an irresistible offer. ### Chapter 312: Today, I'll Greed for You in Person! Expecting Luotan to refine a Tai Xu pill seemed nearly impossible if interpreted directly from the Demon Realm Empress's words. However, no transaction is ever truly impossible...at least in Mu Zhian's view, Luotan declining to craft a Tai Xu pill was merely a matter of insufficient gains to stir her interest. The kind of profit he could not provide, at least for now. Currently, Mu Zhian's most valuable assets consisted of two things: the Divine Phoenix technique of the first demon emperor, and himself—more specifically, his unique innate furnace constitution. Yet before achieving the Return to Void stage, the assistance he could offer to those at the Integration stage remained limited. Despite his furnace's fortification, the Foundation Spirit stage still held constraints against the Integration stage. Even with his daily provision of spiritual energy to Yao Meng, it was more of a mutual ritual, offering a measure of spiritual energy to Yao Meng's furnace—but filling it would be excruciatingly difficult. To understand a furnace of the Integration stage, think of it as a small world, while the furnace world within it equates to an ocean. To think of filling an ocean with the spiritual energy from an innate furnace...unless Mu Zhian could someday achieve the Return to Void or even the Dao Enlightenment stages, such an objective would remain unattainable. Even so, Mu Zhian remained persistent and eager to help Yao Meng until her furnace was completely full. Mu Zhian stood up and stretched, reluctant to part from Wei Mengrou’s soft lap, but the Immortal Ascension Contest was about to begin, and he needed to go somewhere first. "Sister Mengrou, I’m stepping out for a bit. You should head back." Mu Zhian summoned his flying sword, which gracefully hovered at his feet like a swimming fish. "Where to?" Wei Mengrou asked, her eyes filled with a hint of concern as she looked at Mu Zhian. "I need to consult with Pavilion Master Yan about something," Mu Zhian turned to her with a smile, "Good luck in today’s competition. My future lies with you." Wei Mengrou cast him a faint glance. "I'll do my best to win, but you should be careful yourself. You remember what happened at the auction, don’t you?" "If you hadn’t been so close with multiple girls back then, the subsequent trouble might not have happened." "You don’t think I plan on sacrificing myself for a Tai Xu pill, do you...?" Mu Zhian saw through Wei Mengrou’s thoughts. He then waved his hand dismissively, "Even if I wanted to, it’s not like it would matter. My innate furnace at the Spirit Refining stage is useless for someone at the Integration stage." Wei Mengrou silently nodded in agreement. Indeed, although her young master was quite flirtatious, the Empress was of Integration stage herself. It was unlikely she'd pursue a furnace simply for crafting a pill... perhaps she overthought it. ... Library Pavilion. After asking around, Mu Zhian learned that Yan Ruyu was entertaining a distinguished guest on the top floor of the library pavilion, prompting him to wait patiently by the door. Outside, Yan Ruyu’s clear and melodious voice suddenly reached him, "Since you're here, come in. Princess Yongning isn't an outsider." Mu Zhian straightened his collar slightly, pushed open the door, and entered, encountering Yan Ruyu who was engrossed in writing something. Clad in an elegant robe that highlighted her sinuous figure, with wide sleeves flowing and lush, rosy lips, she sat somewhere between a young girl and a mature woman—a blend of youthful skin and feminine allure, exuding an intoxicating elegance. Though I should address her as my master, she feels more like an older sister next door… Although Mu Zhian wasn’t swayed easily by women, he couldn’t help but entertain some scattered thoughts at this sight. Beside Yan Ruyu, another woman sat quietly. She wore a pale golden gown draped with a cozy snow jacket, her black hair stylishly pinned with a jade hairpin, complementing her flawless, refined features. Princess Yongning looked up, offering a dignified and graceful smile, "Master Mu." "Princess Yongning is here… I hope I'm not intruding?" Mu Zhian asked with a smile. Raising her eyes slightly, Yan Ruyu laughed softly, "No need for false modesty, Yongning doesn’t count as company. Be at ease, just as you are at home." At home, I’d be cuddling Ruoxi by now… Mu Zhian glanced at Yan Ruyu’s gentle and intellectual face before discreetly pulling his gaze away. After all, others were watching, and he had to maintain some decorum. "What’s Pavilion Master Yan working on?" Mu Zhian moved closer, feigning curiosity. “A recommendation letter,” Princess Yongning answered with a smile on behalf of Yan Ruyu. Although she was not yet twenty-three, the princess carried herself with mature grace, capturing attention effortlessly. “Recommendation letter…?” A trace of confusion flickered in Mu Zhian’s eyes. “For each sect examination, royal family members from the Qian Dynasty can enter the sect without assessment, and those with a recommendation letter from Yan are chosen,” Princess Yongning explained graciously. Mu Zhian showed a thoughtful expression, refraining from further questions as he waited patiently beside Yan Ruyu. Meanwhile, he couldn’t help but notice Princess Yongning’s composed demeanor—her hands clasped neatly on her lap, back straight, flattering her elegant silhouette. "Princess Yongning, the person Pavilion Master Yan recommends must be someone you trust, correct?" Mu Zhian suddenly inquired through a telepathic message. It was indeed bold to communicate telepathically with someone met only a few times, yet Princess Yongning showed no displeasure, only meeting his eyes with a knowing smile. "Master Mu received some intel from Miss Manting, I presume?" So she’s been investigating me in secret… Mu Zhian mused telepathically. "Princess Yongning, as a lady, why take such interest in matters of the Liangyi Sect?" Previously, the Third Prince, one of her informants, was stationed within the sect, periodically updating her until his expulsion led to confinement... Understandably, Yongning likely pursued further investigations thereafter. With a gentle grin, Princess Yongning responded, "The Liangyi Sect holds a prestigious status in Dongzhou. With nothing much happening at the palace, learning about the outside world serves to pass the time." "But Master Mu's girl acted decisively. Ninglong believed he’d regain his freedom in three years, yet ended up confined for ten." Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered, asking, "Did someone later go to the Qian Dynasty?" "The Maid of the Forbidden Zone claimed her lady was deeply troubled by Ninglong’s harassment within the sect. My father was enraged hearing this and confined Ninglong for a decade." Princess Yongning revealed telepathically. The Forbidden Zone... Mu Zhian instantly understood. He didn’t expect Lingxuan, seemingly so pure and adorable, to act with such decisiveness... "There's two entire years before the next sect examination; even with Pavilion Master Yan’s recommendation, it’s unlikely any royal disciples will enter this year." This time, Princess Yongning remained silent, clearly acquiescing. "Has Princess Yongning considered employing outsiders as informants?" Mu Zhian asked telepathically once more. This time, her almond-shaped eyes gazed slightly at Mu Zhian, those pale golden irises seemingly imbued with discerning wisdom. Her lips curved faintly into a smile as she replied, "Master Mu speaks of..." "Myself." Princess Yongning squinted slightly. "Is Master Mu willing to aid in this?" “Doesn't Master Mu harbor some resentment towards the Qian Dynasty?” Recently, Gu Boxin caused trouble for Mu Zhian, and just yesterday, both the Holy Land of Yaotai and the Forbidden Zone visited the Qian Dynasty… If memory serves, both places include people Master Mu knows. It’s hard not to speculate... [End of Chapter 342] --- **Recommended Reads!** - Wuxia: Infinite Vitality Points, Unmatched in Jianghu - I, a Quasi-Immortal Emperor, Join the Chat Group After a Millennia - One Piece: Summon Thor, A Divine Strike to Defeat Kaido - Three-Body Problem; I am an Insect, a Zerg’s Creature! - Combined Anime: That Infinite Conquest - Naruto: Today, Naruto Will Outdo Everyone Here - Wuxia: Hard Work Pays Off, Being Hunted by Xu Wei Xiong - Elves: Starting from Pallet Town - Naruto: Reviving Uchiha, Beginning with a Harem - Zombie: Harem-to-Dao Ancestor, Yue Qiluo Begs for Mercy --- This concludes the translation of Chapter 342. You may access previous or subsequent chapters, as well as the detailed directory and recommended readings at any time.