362 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Fanfiction Novel Website** Search Fanfiction Novels Complete Fanfiction Serial Fanfiction Rankings Home > Fanfiction Novels > So, They Were the Protagonists **Chapter 362: So, They Were the Protagonists** Author: ccc At this moment, he could even feel the warmth and softness of the celestial body in his embrace. Such softness almost made Mu Zhian lose control and wrap his arms around her waist. Gradually, Mu Zhian’s previously drained spiritual energy began to replenish, completely dispelling his recent weakness. Yet, the piercing gazes from all around only made Mu Zhian feel a deepening chill. A cold sweat trickled down his back at this moment. **Chapter 326: Do Not Underestimate a Maiden's Resolve!** In the sky, snow fell heavily; it was the heart of winter, yet Mu Zhian felt not a hint of the season’s chill. For at this very moment, he was almost entirely pressed against the delicate form of Qing Di Sister, the softness of the celestial being acutely perceptible to him. Yao Meng held the back of Mu Zhian’s head with one hand as the green vines beneath them crazily sprouted from the ground, a green glow enveloping the ascension platform. In any ordinary circumstances, Mu Zhian would likely have indulged in appreciating the softness of the celestial figure, but now he dared not move. Mu Zhian’s vigilance was indeed strong; knowing Yao Meng well, he sensed something amiss the moment she approached, wishing to retreat. However, faced with a grandmaster of the Fusion Realm, catching him unawares, even Mu Zhian was caught off guard. The ‘protagonists’ around him were equally unprepared. In this moment, countless eyes landed on the two of them, faintly accompanied by the sound of many hearts shattering. Bai Ruoxi, clad in a white palace gown adorned with red plum blossoms, gazed at them with quiet eyes. Her demeanor was soft yet slightly chilly, with an air of pride barely concealed by her attire. Her snow-white skin contrasted with the frosty sky, making her quite alluring. Her slender hand gripping the white skirt betrayed the girl’s current anger. Lan Mulian, too, gazed silently. Cold sharpness flickered in her eyes, her brow slightly creasing with hidden tension, observing coolly. Ye Qian gently held her sister’s hand, feeling the slight stiffness in Ye Lingxuan’s body, whispering softly, “Qing Di Sister is replenishing Brother Mu’s spiritual energy now…” Indeed, Qing Di was supplementing Mu Zhian’s spiritual energy, evident to anyone observing. A mass of vines erupted beneath Mu Zhian and Qing Di, silently budding and glowing green. Both continued to receive spiritual energy, while the ambient energy was swiftly absorbed by the vines to nourish them. Ye Lingxuan understood this point as well. …but understanding did not mean ignoring it. Earlier, Qing Di had glanced at her while kissing Mu Zhian, showing this divine and noble celestial held a grudge from Ye Lingxuan’s previous provocations. But now, no one could stop them… for it was too late. Ye Lingxuan could only watch as her beloved Brother Mu was slowly ensnared in Qing Di’s sweet net, filled with fury. Had she reached the Fusion Realm, she wouldn’t allow anyone to treat her Brother Mu so indulgently. Yet, despite her talent, even as a reincarnated queen, she was currently only in the Spirit Refinement Realm… Meanwhile, Wei Mengrou remained shrouded in darkness, coldly observing Qing Di’s public display of affection. Even if she interfered now, the vines of a Fusion Realm couldn’t be easily destroyed. Meanwhile, Yao Meng was entirely absorbed in kissing Mu Zhian’s face, reinvigorating his once depleted reservoir with spiritual energy. Mu Zhian’s hand instinctively wanted to embrace Yao Meng’s slender waist, but reason overcame impulse when he felt the cold stares from around. His eyes opened to Qing Di Sister’s flawless face up close, her green eyes sparkling with amusement and mischief, conveying a message he understood without words. "Celestial Sister, isn’t this a bit too…" Mu Zhian subtly tried to voice his thoughts. Though he always knew a powerhouse like Qing Di Sister wasn’t to be underestimated and could be dangerous if kept too close, he hadn’t foreseen the current development. At first glance, Qing Di seemed like a gentle celestial untouchable by worldly matters, a notion her behavior reinforced. However… she harbored peculiar interests beneath that façade. …which posed a significant problem. “Your spiritual depletion is partly my responsibility. I’m merely rectifying it now,” Yao Meng’s soft voice said into his ear, rendering him silent. Even pushing her away now was too late, so he gave in to the situation, opting to absorb the spiritual energy she offered. Despite the many cultivators below the ascension platform, silence prevailed, their sharp glares like daggers, wishing to kick away the one desecrating a celestial. …though Mu Zhian hadn’t moved and was entirely innocent. After a while, the vines beneath Mu Zhian silently receded. Yao Meng released the grip on Mu Zhian's head, her lips parted from his, exhaling sweetly scented breath. Her lips, red and inviting after the kiss, were even more alluring. Her gaze flickered to Bai Ruoxi standing not far away, envisioning Gong Lianyue’s presence behind her. Though Gong Lianyue was still asleep and Ye Lingxuan only in Spirit Refinement despite her talents, Lan Mulian, the top of the younger generation, would never actively engage given her aloof nature. By the time Gong Lianyue awoke, Mu Zhian might already be entirely captivated by Qing Di Sister. As the two parted, the atmosphere heated up, countless eyes fixed on Mu Zhian. Even the elders from ancient clans struggled to contain themselves. The name of Qing Di was well-known throughout Dongzhou; many had revered her image as a goddess for years. Yet this goddess now claimed to love someone, and that someone was a mere novice cultivator. The stark contrast invoked unavoidable jealousy. Moreover, Qing Di had just publicly bestowed a kiss upon Mu Zhian, further shocking and frustrating many. Unbeknownst to them, Qing Di’s intimate act was a declaration of her claim over Mu Zhian to Bai Ruoxi and others. In their eyes, Qing Di’s actions signaled that Mu Zhian was her chosen partner, not a jest, and any hidden threats against him would have serious repercussions. This simple act caused a stir below the platform. "Whoever duels Mu Zhian, give it your all!" "Defeat him, and I'll offer a reward of ten thousand spirit stones!" "Don’t worry about energy depletion; win the match, and I’ll reward you with two sixth-grade spirit replenishing pills!" Instantly, lively discussions erupted below, with an angry unity among them eager to confront Mu Zhian and thrash him thoroughly. As the incense at the martial stage silently burned out, the elder overseeing the event announced gravely, “Time’s up. Two participating cultivators, prepare to ascend for the Immortal Ascension Conference.” Yao Meng lightly touched Mu Zhian's lips, smiling warmly, “Don’t let me down, alright?” Her words made the younger generation’s eyes redden with a desire to rush up and battle Mu Zhian. Simultaneously, many hoped that whoever faced Mu Zhian now could triumph over him before Qing Di. Feeling the intensity of their gazes, even Mu Zhian felt the pressure. If it had been a private moment with Yao Meng, the others might not care, but publicly displaying affection before so many was a different story. Some girls' faces below had darkened as if reading “Blackened.” He had no allies in this situation. Losing now would make the spectacle all the greater. However, at that very moment, Yao Meng looked up at the young man about to step onto the stage and suddenly smiled, "Don't pressure yourself too much—it's okay to lose. If you wish, I could take you back to Yaochi and personally guide your cultivation." Why did these words sound so suggestive coming from her? Perhaps I just imagined too many tantalizing scenarios from her words... Mu Zhian steadied his emotions and stepped onto the stage. Opposite him stood a young man in a long robe, emitting a faint black light from behind. He was staring intently at Mu Zhian and said, "Xuan Yin Palace's Holy Son, Lin Yuan." Unlike the cultivators below, Lin Yuan already harbored malice towards Mu Zhian. After all, he had been pursuing Lin Keyu, the Holy Maiden of the Xuan Yin Palace. At first, the Holy Maiden, blessed with the Xuan Yin Physique, seemed favorable towards him. However, since meeting Mu Zhian at the Sword Palace, her attitude cooled and she kept her distance. When before had Lin Yuan suffered such humiliation? He could generally win over any target in a month or less. He thought the same of the little beauty, but Mu Zhian's arrival dashed his plans. Furthermore, Mu Zhian, like him, was known for having wandering affections, yet it was Mu Zhian who caught the maiden's eye! Even the Qing Di publicly acknowledged her connection to Mu Zhian just now... A Fusion Realm powerhouse as a partner would mean there was nowhere he couldn’t go in the Nine Provinces. Even if one's progress stalled at the Spirit Refinement peak, with Qing Di involved, she could provide the imperial-grade materials or elixirs necessary to extend a partner's lifespan... Just thinking about it filled Lin Yuan with burning jealousy, something he couldn't tolerate. He silently clenched his fists, anticipating the elder's signal to officially begin the match. This young man isn't very friendly... Meanwhile, Mu Zhian was discreetly assessing this Holy Son; with his innate spiritual physique, he could sense animosity from others. Moreover, Lin Yuan wasn't even trying to hide his hostility. Spirit Refinement level seven—judging by his aura, he’d only recently reached this stage… Normally, this opponent would be tough to handle. Mu Zhian held his breath, focusing his mind. Then, he gradually unsheathed the Bonded Lock. The sword's body glimmered with dark gold lines, its blade exceptionally sharp, seemingly able to slice through boulders with a mere touch. While controlling this top-tier spiritual weapon was challenging, even as a simple sword, its destructive power was considerable. As Mu Zhian grasped the Bonded Lock, he felt it vibrate slightly, as if an inexplicable voice was calling out to him. Mu Zhian hesitated momentarily, then instinctively glanced at the dark gold Bonded Lock in his hand. It’s calling me to infuse it with spiritual energy… Mu Zhian quickly understood its intention. Calming his mind, he began quietly channeling the spiritual energy he had just received from Yao Meng. The spiritual energy between heaven and earth became lively, as if excited... As the battle on the stage was about to ignite, Yao Meng had already gracefully approached the Immortal Ascension Platform, overlooking the fight below. Her expression was composed throughout, as if unconcerned about Mu Zhian's defeat. Even with a three-tier disparity. Suddenly, a pleasing, melodious voice came from beside her. “Empress Qing Di, you must be quite capable to declare your relationship with Brother Mu before so many people. Is the next step marriage?” Ye Lingxuan had unknowingly stepped onto the Immortal Ascension Platform. Her skirt fluttered, revealing slender, jade-like legs. Her hair flowed freely, and her voice was clear and pleasant, but her purple eyes maintained a cold gaze towards Yao Meng. Yao Meng did not turn her head, her lips curling in a serene smile, her tone gentle, "If he’s willing, it’s not out of the question..." "However, there’s no precedent for marrying into Yaochi. Perhaps I could consider taking him back as a spouse?" She added with a slight turn towards Ye Lingxuan, a sisterly smile on her face. "The lifespan of Empress Qing Di spans over ten thousand years. With Brother Mu’s status... what is it that attracted you to him?" Bai Ruoxi lifted her gaze slightly, gentle in demeanor yet cold in her scrutiny of the celestial in green. Lan Mulian took this moment to add, "Empress Qing Di, as the eminent power of Dongzhou and my elder, while I harbor no romantic feelings for my Junior Brother, with your stature, being with him seems inappropriate." "Miss Lan, do you truly believe that such disparity in status is so significant?" Yao Meng countered. Lan Mulian fell silent briefly, about to speak. Yet, Yao Meng's next words cut off her reply entirely. "If status disparity is indeed a concern, then at the end of the Immortal Ascension Conference, I’ll name him as Yaochi's Holy Son. Then, Holy Son and Holy Maiden’s statuses won’t differ much, right?" Lan Mulian's eyebrow twitched, "If you, Qing Di, can act on emotions, then what more is there to discuss from us juniors?" Yao Meng, her toes barely grazing the ground, with the silk ribbon on her waist floating gently in the breeze, said calmly, "Given his current abilities, what of declaring him Yaochi’s Holy Son? Would anyone dare question it?" All present fell silent. Regardless, if Qing Di announced it, it would stand unquestioned. For she was a Fusion Realm genius, and her judgments were deemed irrefutable. The Immortal Ascension Platform fell into silence. Facing such a formidable presence as a Fusion Realm powerhouse, even the most renowned prodigious maidens across the Nine Provinces felt the pressure. At this moment, nearby, a terrifying surge of spiritual energy erupted, dispersing the tense atmosphere on the platform, directing everyone’s attention to the martial stage. Mu Zhian had drawn the Bonded Lock, and the spiritual energy Yao Meng imparted was being fervently absorbed by the first-tier spiritual weapon, while behind Mu Zhian, an immense vortex seemed to slowly spin. All of Mu Zhian's inner spiritual energy was being drawn into the vortex.