356 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Fan Fiction Network** Search Fan Fiction Completed Fan Fiction Serialized Fan Fiction Ranking List Home > Fan Fiction > So, They Were the Protagonists All Along Chapter 356 of So, They Were the Protagonists All Along Author: ccc In the past, even the forebears of the Ye family commanded such respect that the lords of forbidden domains had to defer to her. Even a mere wisp of their spiritual consciousness was not to be offended. "Does the senior have any insights for us?" an elder raised his hand, saluting with a smile. The gaze of the audience below was transfixed on the tall, elegant woman, their eyes filled with reverence. Mu Zhi'an, too, discreetly observed the beautiful speaker, thoughtful contemplation soon appearing in his eyes. Could she be the Ye family ancestor mentioned by Ye Siyu last night? There's no trace of spiritual energy emanating from her, yet such restrained might was only something he had clearly sensed from Yao Meng in the past. As if noticing Mu Zhi'an’s gaze, Ye Qingxin’s dazzling eyes casually glanced at him. Then, she calmly withdrew her gaze, her lips curving into a beguiling smile, speaking softly, “I wouldn't call it insight. But since it's rare to come to the Nine Provinces and witness such a grand Ascension Ceremony, I’d like to contribute and offer the participants some celestial fate.” “What does Senior Ye mean by celestial fate?” a cultivator couldn’t help but ask. Even Ye Yu was puzzled, unsure of what the senior intended to do. “This celestial fate is related to the Heavenly Court.” As Ye Qingxin's voice fell, even the breaths of the elders from the ancient clans below quickened, their eyes steadfastly fixed on her. Ye Qingxin raised her hand, and an exquisite little box appeared from her palm. “Heavenly Domain Art?!” someone immediately recognized the mystery within, exclaiming involuntarily. “Indeed.” Surveying the crowd, Ye Qingxin explained, “This domain was crafted from the insights I gained after reaching the Heavenly Court. By entering, one experiences the Heavenly Court’s aura, and the spiritual energy within is derived from there.” Upon hearing this, the eyes of many cultivators lit up, staring intently at the small box in Ye Qingxin’s hand. Even the eyes of some elders were filled with heated desire. With the Heavenly Court’s spiritual energy, they could significantly advance in ranks—truly a rare celestial opportunity. Ye Qingxin gently tossed the box, and the next moment, a golden light enveloped everyone. “To enter, simply infuse it with a wisp of spiritual energy. However, obtaining the celestial fate depends on your abilities,” Ye Qingxin smiled, glancing around as she spoke. The crowd raised their hands in salute, and Mu Zhi'an too intended to infuse his energy. At that moment, Ye Qingxin’s gaze fell on Mu Zhi'an, smiling as she said, “Little friend Mu, I’m aware of your past conflicts with my Ye family’s descendants. If you can defeat Ye Yu within the domain, I can directly gift you a portion of the Heavenly Court’s spiritual energy. How about it?” Following her words, many looked at Mu Zhi'an with eyes full of curiosity and implications. Within the sect, several disciples were well-versed in the grudges between Ye Yu and Mu Zhi'an. Yet, none expected Ye Yu to prompt intervention from a Ye family ancestor. Ye Qingxin’s offer wasn’t solely for a trial against Ye Yu; it was a declaration to others that Ye Yu fell under her protection. Regardless of the outcome, under the aegis of someone like Ye Qingxin, Ye Yu’s path would undoubtedly be smooth. Unsurprisingly, envy tinted the gazes directed at Ye Yu. Ye Yu couldn’t hide his smugness at the admiration. He cast a furtive glance at the silent Mu Zhi'an. In the past, your schemes could work, but what can you do in the presence of a surpassingly powerful being? Though Ye Qingxin wasn’t entirely on his side, her current stance sufficed. After all, being a Ye descendant meant he naturally received protection from Ye Qingxin, the family ancestor. In the past, Mu Zhi'an had evaded duels by various means and trickery. But with the ancestor’s presence, those tricks seemed futile. Faced with such scrutiny, Mu Zhi'an remained indifferent and courteous, saluting, “I harbor no deep interest in the Heavenly Court’s energy, so I won’t partake in this trial.” Ye Qingxin raised an eyebrow, an amused look in her eyes as she regarded Mu Zhi'an, “I know you and Ye Yu have past grievances. Entering the domain could sever these old ties, little friend Mu. Why refuse?” Ye Yu sneered, voicing his scorn, “Afraid, aren’t you, Mu Zhi'an?” “I’m still one rank shy of you.” Mu Zhi’an calmly glanced at Ye Yu, smiling, “You’re too weak, not worth my time.” Am I expected to spar merely because you’ve asked? As for the Heavenly Court’s spiritual energy… perhaps a rare opportunity for many cultivators, but it hardly concerns him. “You—!” Ye Yu’s eyes brimmed with anger, but he restrained himself due to the setting. Noticing Mu Zhi’an casually conversing with Ye Lingxuan and others, jealousy boiled within Ye Yu, his fists clenching, yearning for a confrontation with Mu Zhi’an. Ye Qingxin watched Mu Zhi'an's unmoving demeanor, her delicate brow furrowing slightly, just as she was about to speak. A gentle, celestial voice suddenly resounded in front of the Ascension Platform. “It’s up to him whether he wishes to spar.” “As for any ‘celestial fate’? No need for others to worry. After this, I’ll offer him appropriate aid.” Hearing this serene voice, Ye Qingxin looked up to find a goddess-like figure in a green dress with a radiant aura emanating from her, eyes narrowing slightly: “Qing Emperor?” Yao Meng gracefully descended from the sky, her sleeves billowing like clouds, every inch of her skin bathed in a mesmerizing silver glow, so beautiful she seemed ethereal, untouched by worldly concerns, akin to a celestial being. Her gaze didn’t first meet Ye Qingxin’s but sought out Mu Zhi’an’s direction, her green eyes scanning the girls beside him one by one. Ye Lingxuan felt Yao Meng’s eyes upon her, recalling an encounter before the Reincarnation Pool, she pursed her lips, secretly clutching Mu Zhi’an’s hand. With an instinctive awareness akin to fending off ambushes, Mu Zhi'an immediately responded telepathically, “Sister Lingxuan…” “I know, I won't trouble Brother Mu,” Ye Lingxuan replied with a smile, then cast a nonchalant glance at Yao Meng. Despite her calm look, in Yao Meng’s eyes, Ye Lingxuan’s stare brimmed with challenge. Yet, unaffected, Yao Meng retracted her gaze, smiling up at Ye Qingxin, “I never expected you'd descend after reaching the Heavenly Court; what a surprise.” Ye Qingxin smiled radiantly, “Only sent down a wisp of consciousness to observe the Ye family’s current state.” Pausing, she continued, “I’ve never seen you care so much for a cultivator, even personally intervening. Is he a descendant of your Jade Pool Sanctuary?” “He is not a descendant.” Yao Meng shook her head. “It's said the Jade Pool Saintess is unsullied by the mortal world. If he’s not your descendant, you’d have no reason to help him,” Ye Qingxin mentioned pointedly, signaling Yao Meng not to meddle. Yao Meng’s green eyes unintentionally glimpsed at Mu Zhi’an. As their eyes met, a slight smile graced her lips. She then spoke softly, her gentle voice drifting across the platform, “Since everyone is present, let's clear things up today.” By “everyone,” she didn’t mean the cultivators present but… certain 'protagonists.' “Many speculated Mu Zhi'an once saved my life, which is indeed true…” A subtle stir erupted below, whispers rising as cultivators exchanged hushed words. Some had secretly suspected this all along, but to hear it confirmed from Yao Meng was still shocking. Yao Meng’s voice abruptly shifted, “However, his significance to me extends beyond a life-saving grace.” Her gaze locked on Mu Zhi’an intently. For reasons unknown, Mu Zhi’an suddenly sensed a premonition of unease. “He is also my Dao companion.” Her statement left the spectating cultivators breathless, even the elders present atop the Ascension Platform momentarily stupefied. The crowd’s murmurs ceased entirely, and for that instant, the world seemed enveloped in a deathly silence. Bai Ruoxi and the others simultaneously lifted their heads, gazing incredulously at the distant celestial beauty. Yao Meng turned her gaze to Ye Qingxin, smilingly asking, “Is this reason sufficient?” In front of the Ascension Platform, countless cultivators had gathered, but once that gentle and captivating voice echoed, the entire platform fell into a deathly silence. The wind rustled through the forest, dry branches swayed, and snowflakes descended with the chill. It was after an unknown duration of silence that a slight stir finally began among the crowd. These were not ordinary cultivators present but representatives from the major ancient families of the Eastern Continent. Many of them had heard of Mu Zhi'an's life-saving grace towards Qing Emperor during her re-corporealization at the Jade Pool Sanctuary. Because of this, numerous members of the ancient families secretly envied Mu Zhi'an's fortune. To accrue a favor from a mighty being who has achieved such unity with the Tao—what immense luck and fortune it must require! Even if one were to spend an entire lifetime’s luck on just this event, it would be worth it. After all, with a female emperor standing as one's protector, what place could he not venture to in the world? Even if such a protector might not always shield him, as long as the Qing Emperor lived, offending elder monsters would be inconsequential for Mu Zhi'an, as those adversaries would think twice before acting. Would it be worth provoking the Qing Emperor over a cultivator still in the God Refinement Realm? But now... People only knew Mu Zhi'an had done the Qing Emperor a great favor, which was why she was kindly disposed towards him. However, never did they expect that he would manage to win the Qing Emperor’s heart. It wasn't merely about secretly protecting Mu Zhi'an anymore; now, she straightforwardly admitted her Dao companion relationship with him in public. In that moment, the sound of hearts breaking could almost be heard from the Ascension Platform, as countless gazes latched onto Mu Zhi'an, filled with a myriad of emotions. But mostly, they were decorating with barely suppressed sourness and jealousy. No matter how well-liked Mu Zhi'an had been in his sect, these sentiments now fell apart against that single declaration of “we are Dao companions” by Qing Emperor. Most were still striving underneath such singular cultivation goals, leveling towards unity with the Tao. Meanwhile, Mu Zhi'an had somehow not only pursued his goals but also silently won over the Qing Emperor herself. Imagine if he was scaling new heights in cultivation each night... Just the stark contrast of these thoughts was difficult to accept. On another front, Ye Qingxin finally snapped out of her earlier stupor. Her attire of interwoven black and red highlighted her alluring figure, her long hair cascading like a waterfall. Her fiery red eyes seemed to burn with vibrant brilliance, focusing on Yao Meng's serene, clear gaze. "In the history of Jade Pool Sanctuary, there seems to be but one instance of a Saintess forming a Dao companion bond, and now Yao Meng you are the second," Ye Qingxin slowly spoke. Even Ye Qingxin herself was somewhat incredulous, finding it almost absurd. The Jade Pool Saintess had countless suitors, her beauty and unique physique irresistibly drawing many cultivators. Yet for an existence like the Qing Emperor, whose standards must be astronomically high, having witnessed countless individuals gifted by the heavens... It was mind-boggling that she eventually chose a youth not yet twenty as her Dao companion. If this news spread, the name Mu Zhi'an would surely travel across the Nine Provinces in less than a week. Seeing Yao Meng's calm smile, Ye Qingxin fell into a brief silence. With the Qing Emperor intervening, she could no longer press Mu Zhi'an to do anything. Though initially, she hadn’t intended on making things difficult for Mu Zhi'an, merely fulfilling a wish of her Ye family descendant—to have a fair comparison with Mu Zhi'an. "In the past, Yao Meng had many pursuing her, yet you never took interest in any. Now you choose little friend Mu... May I ask what you see in him?" Ye Qingxin couldn’t help but inquire. At that precise moment, several cultivators looked up with renewed hope. Perhaps the Qing Emperor wasn't truly the Dao companion of Mu Zhi'an and was merely providing him an excuse to shield him… Some cultivators harbored slight hopes in their hearts. However, the celestial lady before them merely smiled radiantly, answering lightly, "Matters of the heart are beyond one's control. Often, it's only hindsight that reveals how much they’ve already liked someone." Her celestial voice seemed infused with an enchanting power, affecting the moods of those around. --- **Recommended Reading!** 武侠：无限气血加点，无敌镇江湖 我，准仙帝，沉睡万年加入聊天群 航海：召唤雷神，奶香一刀秒凯多 三体；我是虫子，虫族的虫！ 综漫：那无限的征服 木叶：我鸣人今天要卷死在座各位 武侠：天道酬勤，被徐渭熊追杀 精灵：从真新镇开始 木叶：复兴宇智波，从纳妾开始 僵尸：纳妾成道祖，岳绮罗求放过 Copyright©2022 Fan Fiction All Rights Reserved.