343 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Novel Translation Platform** **Search** **Fan Fiction** **Complete Works** **Serialized Works** **Ranking Lists** **Home > Fan Fiction > So, They Were the Main Characters All Along** Chapter 343: So, They Were the Main Characters All Along Author: ccc In truth, Mu Zhi'an currently harbored little goodwill toward the Great Qian Dynasty. So why would he be willing to help her in this situation? "The Great Qian Dynasty is the Great Qian Dynasty; the State Preceptor is the State Preceptor," Mu Zhi'an said with a smile, glancing at the elegantly seated woman. "And the Grand Princess, she is the woman I've always admired." "I can provide you with all the intelligence on the Liangyi Sect, and beyond that, if there's anything you wish to accomplish in the future, I can assist you with that too." "The water of the Great Qian Dynasty runs deep; without sufficient backing, it might be challenging to make your mark." Mu Zhi'an paused, giving her a meaningful look. "But I can support you from behind, as your backing." A glint of understanding flickered in Princess Yongning's eyes. This time, she didn't respond but lowered her gaze slightly, lost in thought. After a brief moment, Yan Ruyu handed the recommendation letter she had just written to Princess Yongning. The princess accepted it with a smile, thanking her, and took a deep look at Mu Zhi'an. Then, with a smile, she said, "It seems you both have more to discuss, so I won't disturb you." Mu Zhi'an watched Princess Yongning's silhouette disappear from the teahouse, and Yan Ruyu looked at his handsome face, smiling faintly. "She's gone, don't keep looking." She then changed the subject. "Did you come to see me for something? Aren't you supposed to have a match soon?" "Can't I visit the Hall Master without a reason?" Mu Zhi'an chuckled. Yan Ruyu gave Mu Zhi'an a sidelong glance, filled with mature, sensual allure, a teasing charm in her eyes. Mu Zhi'an slightly reined in his jesting mood, saying, "I do have something I wish to inquire about, Hall Master." "I once heard that the national fortune of the Great Qian Dynasty is linked to the cultivation of cultivators in East Continent. Is that true?" Mu Zhi'an asked. Yan Ruyu looked at Mu Zhi'an with some surprise. "You even know that?" She nodded slightly. "The Great Qian Dynasty occupies most of the East Continent, and its national fortune does indeed aid cultivators in East Continent. They complement each other, not immensely important, but it does provide some help in cultivation." "However, over the years, the dynasty's fortune has gradually declined, and its benefits to cultivators have become negligible." "Even so, normally, sects don't interfere with dynastic affairs. After all, the rise and fall of dynasties are common occurrences," Yan Ruyu continued. Mu Zhi'an asked, "If the dynasty falls and a new one rises, would Eastern cultivators lose the support of the dynasty's national fortune during that period?" Yan Ruyu nodded. "Unless the old emperor abdicates for a wise successor," she said, shaking her head with a hint of resignation. "But as for the crown prince of Great Qian, frankly speaking, he is not particularly suited for the position." Having met the crown prince twice, she found him amiable, but in terms of ability, he was average, and she wasn't optimistic about him. Mu Zhi'an didn't speak further, instead falling into contemplation. After a short while, having conversed more with Yan Ruyu regarding the Great Qian Dynasty, he took his leave, flying sword in hand, towards the south bank. ... The Giant Spirit Hall lay deep within the southern bank, housing numerous abodes. The Yuzhou Empress, whom he had seen at the Ascension Conference, resided there. Upon discovering Luo Tan's residence, Mu Zhi'an flew to the Giant Spirit Hall. As he reached the entrance, a maiden in palace attire stood by the gate, smiling. "Young Master Mu, Lord Luo Tan is not present today. Please come back another time." Perhaps one of Luo Tan's attendants... Mu Zhi'an approached calmly, inquiring, "May I ask who you are, miss?" The maid smiled, "I am a maidservant by Lord Luo Tan's side. If you wish to see her, please attend the Alchemy Conference later. You will meet her there." It seemed she was not inclined to see anyone for the moment. Mu Zhi'an did not persist; he raised his hand in gesture, and departed on his sword. The matter of the Taixu Dan was not urgent, especially now as he possessed a treasured artifact from the Empress of the Demon Realm that could mask demonic energy, preventing Bai Ruoxi's presence from being exposed. Moreover, gathering the medicinal ingredients for the Taixu Dan wouldn't be possible anytime soon. His current priority was his own safety... Mu Zhi'an flew over the southern bank towards the Ascension Stage, the site for the Ascension Conference duels. Meanwhile, he revisited his personal interface, noting the growing list of achievements, most providing significant boosts and leading to his Chaos Body. Yet, the role designation of "Fated Female Protagonist" in pink text was somewhat disheartening... "Even though a protagonist is a protagonist, this isn't what I envisioned," Mu Zhi'an sighed inwardly. Most bizarre was the green teacup symbol behind the "Fated Female Protagonist" text, seemingly steaming subtly. This role's green tea emblem was implying something... Mu Zhi'an internally scoffed, glancing at the two prominent titles of "Reincarnator" on his personal interface, pondering deeply. "Primeval Witch, you mentioned my personal interface was your gift. Are both these reincarnations your doing?" he probed in his mind. His previous assumption was that there might be more than just the Primeval Witch as a reincarnator, potentially a second one. However, through interactions with the other 'protagonists,' he hadn't noticed any signs typical of a reincarnator. Logically, a reincarnator might exhibit more 'enthusiastic' emotions towards him, but Bai Ruoxi, Ye Lingxue, and the senior sister remained unchanged. The Primeval Witch gave no response, likely still dormant, so Mu Zhi'an didn't disturb her further. The vicinity around the Ascension Stage was bustling with cultivators, and the cacophony of voices reached him from the ground. Unconsciously, he arrived at his destination, descending lightly from the sky. His gaze quickly fell on a nearby dueling platform. There stood a woman draped in a moonlit white gown, aloof and ethereal, as if in companionship with the moon itself. It seemed the entire audience's focus was on her, yet indifferently cold as ice, Lan Muliang appeared oblivious, gazing emotionlessly at her opponent. Lan Muliang's aura showed no sign of disorder, whereas her opponent's spiritual energy was in disarray, clutching his chest and gasping, eyes fixed on the white-gowned beauty before him. Mu Zhi'an had never before witnessed Lan Muliang take action, but observing from the sidelines, he could feel immense pressure, let alone standing against her. Inwardly, he admired her. Truly, her demeanor and prowess were leagues above her opponent. Such a woman was not easily tamed. Imagine, during dual cultivation, if she maintained that frosty demeanor, gazing at you as if to say, "Is that all? Are you really in?" Even the thought stung a bit. Of course, seeing such a cold woman display tender affection would be immensely satisfying as well. As he admired Lan Muliang’s graceful figure on the high platform, a sweet, soft voice teased him from behind, "Is she that captivating? You’re practically drooling." Without turning, Mu Zhi'an continued gazing at the invincible white-dressed beauty in the air. "Your sister's figure is perfect and alluring." He placed a hand on Lan Feiying’s waist, turning to smile at her. "But Feiying, you're not inferior to our senior sister." The tall, alluring beauty wore a black qipao today, accentuating her curvaceous figure and perfect physique, her feet adorned with elegant embroidered shoes. She shot him a sultry look, teasingly warning, "Little scoundrel, behave yourself here. If I tell sister, you're done for." "Then I'll just have to enjoy it before meeting my doom," Mu Zhi'an feigned a ferocious look, giving a playful swat to her hip. Lan Feiying brushed his hand away, casting him a coy glance, "You seem relaxed. Feeling confident?" "Even if I’m not, worrying won’t help now, right? Cultivation isn't something that improves overnight," Mu Zhi'an replied with a smile. "You have quite the easygoing perspective," Lan Feiying chuckled, casting a glance at another duel in the distance. A young man clad in black stood before the arena; though not as handsome as Mu Zhi'an, he appeared clean-cut, his dark eyes filled with a hubristic glint, his sword poised towards his opponent. Opposing him was Ye Yu, Third Grade Spiritual Refiner! As Lan Feiying was about to retract her gaze, Mu Zhi'an also looked up, observing and then genuinely praising, "His cultivation speed is truly impressive. He's almost catching up to me." Seeing that Mu Zhi'an didn't seem discouraged, Lan Feiying felt a bit relieved and squinted her eyes with a smile. "There's no need to underestimate yourself. Speed in cultivation doesn't equate to strength. If the difference is just one or two levels, it can be made up with combat experience and depth." "You're so kind, Feiying. Always know how to console me... I knew I wasn't wrong about you," Mu Zhi'an said with emotion. Lan Feiying rolled her eyes at him, "You just know how to sweet-talk girls." Despite her words, a charming curve graced the corner of her lips. Sometimes, women are like that—aware that they're hearing flattery, but that doesn't mean they won't feel pleased or charmed. The art of courting lies in the subtle influence. If feelings are mutual, even without a confession, a simple hand-hold or touch can imply togetherness. While Mu Zhi'an and Lan Feiying's relationship hadn't reached that level, it was certainly more than just friendship. As they chatted, a sudden uproar erupted from the crowd below. Mu Zhi'an glanced over to see that Lan Muliang's battle was drawing to a close. Her opponent, the celebrated prodigy of Yunzhou, was clearly cornered and forced to unveil her final trump card. At that moment, centered around the Yunzhou Saintess, a grand mystical realm appeared—a snowy landscape seemingly intent on engulfing Lan Muliang. "The Unity Sanctum's secret art, if memory serves. Whoever enters this domain has their senses stripped away, a troubling feat even for the Void Realm." "If Senior Sister Lan gets caught in that sanctum, it could spell trouble..." "But it'll also reveal her true strength. Clearly, she was holding back just now..." Whispers floated from the audience. Mu Zhi'an glanced at Lan Feiying, noting her composed demeanor as she watched the aloof figure on stage. "You have great faith in Senior Sister," Mu Zhi'an remarked. "Of course, she's the sect's top genius. Even in this Ascension Conference, no one's surpassed her in realm," Lan Feiying replied with a light laugh, gazing at Lan Muliang. "She hasn't even warmed up yet." The two sisters seemed connected in thought. As the mystical realm threatened to enshroud the entire Ascension Stage, Lan Muliang calmly lifted her gaze toward the icy scene. Her moon-white dress clung to her form under the cold wind. She raised her hand, and with a crisp snap of her fingers— Boom! The very ground trembled, causing part of the ominous clouds to collapse. The Unity Sanctum, which had been poised to envelop the stage, disintegrated silently before reaching her. "The Holy Physique of Destiny allows her to perceive the essence of all things. No secret art, regardless of its strangeness, can approach her," Lan Feiying turned to Mu Zhi'an with a smile. "Impressive, isn't it?" Mu Zhi'an nodded slightly, his gaze fixed intently on the scene. Indeed, her strength was unmatched. Among equals, he had never felt such an overwhelming pressure. He also possessed a pseudo-Holy Physique of Destiny, but he could only use it to quicken his cultivation. Perceiving the essence of all things was beyond his current reach—a realization of the Dao that Lan Muliang had apparently achieved in the Void Realm, something others found hard to emulate. Lan Feiying glanced at the distant arena and smiled, "My match is coming up soon. I'll see you later, little one." With a sweet scent lingering in her wake, Lan Feiying's graceful figure gradually faded from view. Drawing his attention back, Mu Zhi'an looked again at Lan Muliang, who was now surrounded by adoring disciples, a faint smile on her veiled face, adding an enigmatic allure. Sensing Mu Zhi'an's gaze, Lan Muliang looked up, their eyes meeting perfectly. "Senior Sister's performance was truly remarkable today," Mu Zhi'an complimented her through transmitted voice. Lan Muliang glanced his way, her brows arching slightly. "If I couldn't handle a mere Spiritual Refining realm opponent, there'd be no point in me participating in this conference." Her words radiated self-assurance and pride. "Do you remember the letter I wrote last night?" Mu Zhi'an ventured boldly. Lan Muliang's eyes flickered with hesitation before she sent a guarded reply, "If you manage to get into the top ten of the Ascension Conference... you can make a wish of me, as long as it's reasonable." While he wanted to ask what 'reasonable' entailed, Mu Zhi'an held back, replying, "Alright, I'll do my best to reach the top ten!" As Lan Muliang faded from sight amidst her admirers, Mu Zhi'an redirected his focus, catching sight of Ye Yu descending from his high platform. Ye Yu, just victorious, radiated confidence as he stepped down, shooting Mu Zhi'an a glance. "Still at the Fourth Grade Spiritual Refining? Hope you don't get eliminated today, wouldn't reflect well for Pavilion Master Yan." Ye Yu had advanced to the Third Grade Spiritual Refining, while Mu Zhi'an remained at the early stage of the Fourth Grade. It wouldn't be long before Ye Yu could genuinely surpass Mu Zhi'an, possibly even capturing victory over him in this very Ascension Conference. Mu Zhi'an dismissed Ye Yu's taunt with a smile, but as he left, his gaze lingered on Ye Yu. There was a peculiar shift in Ye Yu's spiritual aura, something that felt oddly familiar. —The Qi of Heaven! After a moment, Mu Zhi'an realized, a mix of surprise lighting his eyes. It seemed Ye Yu's aura now harbored a trace of Heaven's influence... Perhaps he gained some fortuitous opportunity during a sect mission...? As Mu Zhi'an considered this, his mind filled with more questions. "Brother Mu, is everything okay? What did he say to you?" A clear, melodious voice interrupted his thoughts, pulling Mu Zhi'an back to reality. Ye Lingxue had appeared beside him, wearing a purple dress under a light pink coat. Compared to before, her chest wasn't quite majestic yet, being somewhat overshadowed by her sister Ye Qian—a bit of a sad story. Still, her captivating beauty more than compensated for any development discrepancies. Mu Zhi'an gave Ye Lingxue a reassuring look. "Nothing really, just felt a bit discouraged." "My cultivation progress is so slow," he sighed. Ye Lingxue gazed at him, her cool hand clasping his, smiling gently, "It's okay. Didn't I tell you before? I'll protect you in the future, Brother Mu." "So, don't worry about the outside world." "Or if you're tired, we can always return to the forbidden zone together..." Before she finished, Mu Zhi'an gently stroked her head, pulling her into an embrace.