357 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Web Novel - Chapter 357: So, It Turns Out They Are the Protagonists** *Author: ccc* "If I must say, I like everything about him." As she spoke, her gaze fell on Mu Zhian, her eyes seemingly filled with a gentle affection for her companion. Witnessing this, everyone instinctively glanced at Mu Zhian, as if wishing they could replace him with a single kick. Ye Yu's fists clenched quietly, his nails digging into his palms. His eyes fixated on Mu Zhian with an unabashed envy, and his heart roared silently. He too was at the Spirit Refining Realm, even boasting greater fortune than Mu Zhian. But why was it that Mu Zhian enjoyed the favor of the Azure Emperor? Moreover, he was acknowledged as her companion in front of everyone... Not only Ye Yu, many of the young cultivators present felt a sting of vulnerability. Including Mu Zhian himself, who was utterly exasperated. It was evident that Yaomeng noticed Ye Lingxuan's earlier provocation. Though this celestial maiden appeared kind and gentle, she was undoubtedly a bit cunning and held grudges. By declaring Mu Zhian as hers, she was retorting to Ye Lingxuan. Now, the entire Nine Provinces would soon know that Mu Zhian was the companion of the Azure Emperor. Beyond the havoc this would cause once this contest ended and the inevitable influx of challenge letters, he still had to figure out how to manage this chaotic situation... In the Liangyi Sect, there was a tradition of disciples challenging each other. If you despised someone, you could issue a challenge. Mu Zhian could refuse, but constant refusals would only bring constant challenges, becoming a perpetual nuisance. After all, if everyone perceived you as an easy target, they'd all want to have a pinch. Mu Zhian, sensing the piercing stares, turned his head slightly to look. Bai Ruoxi's eyes were filled with sadness as she gazed at him with a deep gentleness. Lan Muli's expression hadn't changed much, but it was clear that the goodwill she held from the previous day's compliments had plummeted. Wei Mengrou was the calmest of all, observing the proceedings coldly. When she noticed Mu Zhian's gaze, she cast him an icy glance before looking away. Wei Mengrou had long known about the relationship between Mu Zhian and Yaomeng. She had even heard the soft, heart-racing murmurs from Yaomeng's room more than once. In the past, she never felt much about it, but now their ambiguous relationship made her ponder thoughts known only to Wei Mengrou herself. Ye Qian lowered her head, her cheeks slightly flushed, recalling the words her master had said to her that day. After a brief silence, Ye Qingxin finally broke it. "Since Yaomeng and Mu Zhian are companions, you must be aware of his entanglements with our Ye family descendants?" "I've said it before; he can make his own decisions." Yaomeng smiled calmly and said, "It would be wise for us not to meddle in their affairs." Ye Qingxin raised her delicate brows; Yaomeng's stance was crystal clear. The Azure Emperor, no matter what, was choosing to stand by Mu Zhian. This could pose significant complications... Ye Yu suddenly cupped his hands and said, "Azure Emperor, my grievances with Mu Zhian began in Tianxuan City long ago. This is not an attempt to leverage my ancestor's status, but a request to spar with him fairly." "In the past, Mu Zhian manipulated my fiancée into breaking off our engagement and secretly drove a wedge between me and my Ye family sisters... Don't you find these actions rather unjust?" As Ye Yu spoke, his eyes locked onto Mu Zhian, a cold voice following, "Mu Zhian, if you claim to be a man, don't hide behind the Azure Emperor. Face me in a fair fight." Mu Zhian chuckled, "From the beginning, you were the one instigating issues, yet you paint me as a notorious villain?" Ye Yu, enraged, said, "And you dare utter such words?! The situation with Bai Ruoxi was her pursuit of happiness, but with Lingxuan and Qian’er, you have been covertly sowing discord—" Before he could finish, Ye Lingxuan interjected softly, "Brother Ye Yu is mistaken. Qian’er and I were never influenced by Brother Mu. Our familial ties with you... didn’t need much discord to be distanced." Although displeased with Yaomeng's declaration akin to the main consort, Ye Lingxuan chose to stand by Mu Zhian. Ye Qingxin's eyes studied Ye Lingxuan closely, surprised. "You're the daughter of Ye Ning?" Ye Lingxuan nodded politely and said, "I'm unsure what Brother Ye Yu told you, but my dealings with Brother Mu were free of deception... Qian’er and I have our own judgments." This declaration also made Ye Lingxuan's stance clear. At that moment, even Ye Qingxin was left speechless. Regardless of Mu Zhian’s past actions, it was evident that Ye Qian and Ye Lingxuan genuinely acknowledged Mu Zhian, leaving only Ye Yu as the incessantly entangling pest. And with the Azure Emperor's support... So far, it seemed Mu Zhian wasn't the worthless scoundrel Ye Yu claimed him to be. After all, someone of the Azure Emperor's standing wouldn't have such poor judgment. It's not like the Azure Emperor simply liked younger men, hence choosing Mu Zhian? Even if that was the case, it was evident the Azure Emperor recognized Mu Zhian's talent and capability. After a brief silence, Ye Qingxin raised her finger, and from her treasure ring, a sword with dark golden lines appeared in her hand. An elder from the audience immediately reacted, exclaiming, "A first-grade artifact spirit?!" Ye Qingxin surveyed the crowd, her melodious voice ringing out, "This is a treasured sword from my time in the Celestial Court, housing the soul of a Sword Emperor. If refined, none in the same realm can rival it." "I will place it in a cave realm. If someone can pass the test, this sword will be theirs as a prize." The moment she finished, the cultivators’ breaths collectively caught, their eyes burning with desire. A first-grade artifact spirit was akin to the ancestral weapon of an ancient family, and Ye Qingxin clearly implied everyone had a chance. Whoever first passed the test could claim it. Instantly, the young cultivators' thoughts started to churn. Ye Qingxin's gaze shifted to Yaomeng, smiling slightly, "Would this reward be enough to entice Mu Zhian?" Yaomeng's demeanor remained unmoved, smiling softly, "The decision is his to make. I won't interfere." That said, she cast a deep glance at the stunning woman. Offering a first-grade artifact spirit as a prize, if Mu Zhian refused even this, he naturally would face no grievances from her. But secretly, surely, whispers would arise. After all, Mu Zhian was acknowledged by the Azure Emperor as her companion. His prior refusals of Ye Yu's challenges could be attributed to disinterest. But with a first-grade artifact spirit as a reward, even a master of integration wouldn't deny its appeal. For such an artifact, even integration masters couldn't easily gather the required materials. Moreover, knowing Mu Zhian, he likely wouldn’t decline the invitation... All eyes were on Mu Zhian. Ye Yu's gaze fixated on him as well. For some reason, Ye Yu regretted pushing so hard. Even with confidence in his abilities, he disliked the idea of gambling away a first-grade artifact spirit. If Mu Zhian succeeded, wouldn't that just be gifting it away for nothing? Indeed, Yaomeng understood Mu Zhian well. While he typically maneuvered with grace, he did have his pride, and naturally... he couldn't resist a first-grade artifact spirit. Under the multitude of stares, Mu Zhian cupped his hands in salute, smiling, "Since the senior offers such gracious invitation, it would be impolite of me to refuse." A first-grade artifact spirit, likely the only one the Ye family ancestor possessed, offered as a test reward... It was worth a try. Moreover, it was also a chance to suppress Ye Yu's fortune. Though Ye Yu was indeed a chosen one, he too was now selected by the heavenly way. Most importantly... ever since Yaomeng's retort and display of dominance, Mu Zhian had felt like he was on pins and needles. Blue Muli and others had been covertly eyeing him with interest since then. Ye Qingxin's lips curled into a faintly seductive smile as she gently raised her finger. The small box constructing the cave realm quietly radiated a subtle light. "Then please proceed, Mu Zhian." In the eyes of these cultivators, presenting a first-grade artifact spirit as a prize might seem astonishing. However, it was a testament to Ye Qingxin's absolute confidence. Confidence that no one would pass the final test. The entire domain served merely as a fair battleground for Mu Zhian and Ye Yu. As for passing the test within this realm, it was deemed impossible for anyone. Not even Ye Qingxin herself. This celestial domain, although a replica of the central celestial realm, had a gate that led to the true Celestial Court! Chapter 323: Is Mu Zhian the Celestial Court's Master?! 6K The art of creating such domains is a special technique only achievable by those at the realm of Return to Void. Even so, for a Return to Void cultivator to hide an entire world within a small box is a feat only those standing at the apex of the world, the Dao Integration experts, might accomplish. Typically, crafting such a domain could take a thousand years or more. Yet the miniature Celestial Court in Ye Qingxin's hand was even more unique, for part of it connected to the gate of the actual Celestial Court. Ye Qingxin and Yaomeng stood on the Ascension Platform, and before them, a 'scroll' unfolded. As Mu Zhian and the others stepped into the palm-sized Celestial Court, the scroll revealed their entrance into this realm. A quiet murmur arose from below, with spectators discussing the ties between the Azure Emperor and Mu Zhian. Many gazed with reverence at the ethereal maiden on the Ascension Platform. Though the thoughts of the Azure Emperor were unclear, in the eyes of onlookers, the companion of an eternal Empress like her should naturally be someone admired by all. Mu Zhian, a mere Spirit Refining cultivator, hardly seemed to fit the bill. Regardless, the Azure Emperor had undeniably chosen him. Ultimately, if their roles were reversed, any of them would eagerly seize the chance to enjoy such a privileged connection. Ye Qingxin looked up, her black and red gown billowing in the cold wind, tightly hugging her graceful, sensual form. Her hair danced wildly with the breeze, accentuating her flawless features. If Yaomeng was likened to a celestial being from the Moon Palace, then the woman beside her in the black and red gown was akin to a witch born of fire, her gem-like red eyes glowing with a captivating light. Before stepping into the domain, Ye Yu turned towards Ye Qingxin, bowing and declaring, "Rest assured, ancestor, I will not fail your expectations. I will defeat Mu Zhian and pass this test!" Ye Qingxin merely nodded, saying nothing more. As the young cultivators entered, her gaze shifted to Yaomeng. The green dress with white embroidery clung to Yaomeng's frame, weaving a unique allure of purity and desire. Her meticulously styled hair was tied with a simple satin band, and a fire-red spirit stone pendant adorned her flawless neck. Her posture was graceful, her demeanor serene, reflecting immense confidence in Mu Zhian. "You descended to the mortal realm merely for the descendants of the Ye family?" Yaomeng suddenly inquired. "Given your nature, it doesn't seem like you to descend for something like this." "And what about you, Yaomeng?" Ye Qingxin smiled, squinting slightly. "With your cultivation, you could have ascended long ago, yet you chose to remain in the Nine Provinces. Why is that?" Yaomeng chuckled softly, "The Celestial Court has its own ruler. I'm accustomed to freedom. Going there and being restricted wouldn't suit me." Ye Qingxin laughed quietly, "The Celestial Court's rulership aside, even if there is a ruler, he is no higher nor lower than we are. Where do the restrictions come into play?" Yet, Yaomeng detected an underlying message in Ye Qingxin's words and promptly asked, "Is there no master of the Celestial Court?" "Since my ascension, I have never met the master of the Celestial Court," Ye Qingxin revealed. "I have attempted to discern the location of the Celestial Court's master numerous times without success. It wasn't until the recent manifestation of the path to immortality that the Heavenly Dao resonated and pointed towards the Nine Provinces." "The master of the Celestial Court... is in the Nine Provinces?" Yaomeng mused over Ye Qingxin's statement, pondering for a moment. Her eyes flickered slightly, reflecting upon something, and she raised her gaze to the mirror revealing the youth now within the palm-sized celestial realm. Considering Ye Qingxin's earlier actions, Yaomeng narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, casting Ye Qingxin a knowing look. It seemed Ye Qingxin had more motives than simply supporting her family's descendants... "To search for the Celestial Court's master, offering a first-grade artifact spirit as a prize is a grand gesture indeed," Yaomeng remarked softly. This grand ascension gathering, drawing geniuses to the Liangyi Sect, was undoubtedly the best approach to finding traces of the Celestial Court's master. With hands clasped behind her, Ye Qingxin's gown fluttered, her gaze upward and her smile gentle, "If someone can truly pass this test, it would be worth it." Even if it meant sacrificing a first-grade artifact spirit, it was justified. Yaomeng cast a casual glance at Ye Qingxin. The value of a first-grade artifact spirit rivaled that of an ancestral weapon. Although this spirit was acquired by Ye Qingxin in the Celestial Court, she had invested significant care into nurturing it. Yet now, she was willing to say such words... Either the domain's test was nearly insurmountable, or the Celestial Court's master was so crucial to Ye Qingxin that she was willing to relinquish a first-grade artifact spirit. Regardless of the reason, the test seemed not to hold any detriment for Mu Zhian. If there was any downside, it was the public declaration by Yaomeng of her companion relationship with Mu Zhian. "He's gone in." --- First Chapter Previous Chapter 357/718 Next Chapter Last Chapter Directory Previous: Nobody Knows Villainy Better Than Me Next: Convergence of Anime: The Start of a Superhero Recommended Reading! Martial Arts: Unlimited Qi Blood, Invincible in the Jianghu Me, Quasi-Immortal Emperor, Asleep for Ten Thousand Years Join the Chat Group One Piece: Call Forth Thor, Smell the Fragrance of a Strike Against Kaido Three-Body Problem: I Am the Insect, the Zerg of the Horde! Convergence of Anime: The Infinite Conquest Konoha: Today I, Naruto, Will Outdo All Here Martial Arts: The Heaven Rewards the Diligent, Hunted by Xu Weixiong Pokémon: Starting from Pallet Town Konoha: Revive Uchiha, Begin Taking Wives Zombie: Taking Wives Becomes Dao Ancestor, Yue Qiluo Begs to be Spared Copyright©2022 Doujin Novel All Rights Reserved.