363 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

--- **The Fan Fiction Network** **Search: Fan Fiction | Completed Stories | Ongoing Series | Rankings** --- **Home > Fan Fiction > "Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists"** **Chapter 363:** *Author: CCC* The spiritual energy within him surged uncontrollably, flowing incessantly into the Heaven-Questioning Lock. Suddenly, a light as bright as the stars burst forth. Sensing danger, Lin Yuan moved swiftly toward Mu Zhi'an, aiming to interrupt this terrifying technique. Yet, at that moment, an azure lotus descended out of nowhere, momentarily suspending his spiritual energy! Though the Lotus of World Purification was a forgery, it sufficed to deal with a cultivator of the Spirit Refinement Stage within the same realm. As Lin Yuan's spiritual energy was sealed, the vortex behind Mu Zhi'an silently came to a halt. Mu Zhi'an slowly lifted the Heaven-Questioning Lock, and in the next instant, an overwhelming, terrifying pressure surged forth, as if the heavens and earth were collapsing, crashing down towards Lin Yuan like a tidal wave. A fierce storm erupted within the grand hall, the air thick with spiritual energy. Mu Zhi'an struggled to control the Heaven-Questioning Lock, gripping the hilt tightly, managing its power with great difficulty. With a thud, Lin Yuan couldn't withstand the pressure, his knees buckling as he involuntarily knelt, his face turning a ghastly white. This power did not originate from Mu Zhi'an; it was from the Heaven-Questioning Lock itself! How could he unleash such power without having refined the Heaven-Questioning Lock? Lin Yuan lay prostrate, his head pressed against the ground, teeth clenched, filled with unwillingness yet utterly immobilized under the lock's terrifying pressure. Elders watching from below bore expressions of grave concern. This Heaven-Questioning Lock should not exhibit such horrifying power in the hands of a Spirit Refinement cultivator. Before the Ascension Platform, Yao Meng's bright eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of doubt flickering within. Mu Zhi'an's Grade One Spirit Artifact wielded power akin to an ancestral weapon left by a Great Dao cultivator, invincible within its realm. However, an unrefined ancestral weapon shouldn't exhibit such terrifying strength unless the Heaven-Questioning Lock was inherently inclined towards Mu Zhi'an, granting him its privileges. Lin Yuan, struggling to rise, felt his body instinctively submit to the awakening power of the Heaven-Questioning Lock, unable to lift himself, no matter how hard he tried. "Clearly, it's only a fourth-grade Spirit Refinement technique, so how can this Heaven-Questioning Lock exhibit such power?!" he grumbled, teeth gritted, forcing himself to look up at the youth before him, resentment clear in his eyes. As the lock's horrifying pressure intensified, Lin Yuan, filled with reluctance, finally spoke with great difficulty: "...I concede." Upon the martial platform, the elder cast an extra glance at Mu Zhi'an before announcing, "Mu Zhi'an, victorious!" As the announcement settled, Mu Zhi'an felt a sudden exhaustion, intending to disperse the gathered spiritual energy within the Heaven-Questioning Lock. But as he released his grip, the energy within the lock showed no intention of dissipating, instead greedily drawing from the surrounding spiritual energy. "This isn't right... am I unable to fully control the Heaven-Questioning Lock right now?!" Mu Zhi'an sensed that something was off, glancing uneasily at the dark gold sword in his hand. This surge of spiritual energy was beyond his control! The elder atop the platform noticed this anomaly too, brows furrowed, raising a hand to suppress the lock’s energy. Yet, Mu Zhi'an's Heaven-Questioning Lock seemed to possess its own consciousness, releasing an even more terrifying spiritual pressure, slipping from Mu Zhi'an's grasp, hovering above the platform like a formidable serpent. A mild commotion stirred among the crowd below. Lin Yuan, perspiration glistening on his forehead, stared fearfully at the surging energy of the lock. He could sense that should the lock strike him directly, even if it didn't kill him, the recovery would demand extensive time... perhaps leaving lasting damage. The violent spiritual energy raged, aiming to obliterate the perceived enemy of its earlier master. Every soul present felt a deep tremor within. At this pivotal moment, an azure lotus silently bloomed in mid-air, its verdant glow enveloping the Ascension Platform, forcibly subduing the spiritual energy of the Heaven-Questioning Lock. Drained of the spiritual energy he'd taken from Yao Meng, Mu Zhi'an staggered. Yet before he could fall, Yao Meng appeared before the platform, catching him. Mu Zhi'an found his face buried against a comforting warmth, the sweet fragrance calming him. Deliberately, he attempted to lift his consciousness, noticing Yao Meng's concerned gaze, and then several girls approaching. Each bore concern in their eyes, and when glancing at Yao Meng, there was unmistakable animosity. This atmosphere... feels off... Mu Zhi'an’s gaze flickered; he decisively abandoned his struggling consciousness. Darkness embraced him as he fell into the softness, succumbing to unconsciousness. **Chapter 327: The Fishes’ Plan** The tidy, elegant room was illuminated by the glow from the candle stand. Mu Zhi'an slowly opened his eyes, unfamiliar surroundings coming into view. This wasn’t his room, nor was it Ruo Xi’s... where had they taken him? Waking suddenly, tiredness dissipated swiftly as he sat up in surprise. However, as he attempted to rise, he realized his wrists were bound by chains glimmering with golden light. “Chains of Time?!” he exclaimed in disbelief. The lock head turned slightly as if responding, “Summoning me?” Bewildered, Mu Zhi'an stared anxiously at the Chains of Time binding his wrists. Given the number of people present earlier, even if Lingxuan had succumbed to her darker urges, they wouldn’t have allowed her to bind him… yet here he was. And now... Ye Lingxuan’s Ancestral Artifact, the Chains of Time, undeniably shackled him. A cold voice suddenly spoke from near the bed, and Wei Mengrou's frosty tone cut through the air: “The Chains of Time can alter temporal flow, speeding up your recovery with the help of medicinal pills.” Slightly hesitant, Mu Zhi'an looked up at the enticing silhouette before him. With her arms folded under her chest, she leaned lazily against the bed, casting a sidelong gaze. Her eyes, beautiful yet disdainful, looked at him as if he were insignificant. While Wei Mengrou had always positioned herself as his personal maid, diligently guarding him, today, witnessing Qingdi publicly announce their bond, even daring to kiss Mu Zhi'an in front of everyone, stirred an inexplicable irritation within her. Though today's events were beyond Mu Zhi'an's control, the dissatisfaction lingered, uncontrollable as it was. “Sister Mengrou, are you upset?” Mu Zhi'an hesitated to ask. Wei Mengrou ignored him, speaking coolly: “Others left me to oversee your recovery, hoping not to disturb you.” “As for being upset...” she paused momentarily, “I’m merely your maid, responsible for your safety, nothing more.” Indeed, she was upset—maybe even jealous... Mu Zhi'an felt both worried and relieved. Worried because gatherings of others might brew trouble, but relieved because even this cold maid could feel jealous over him. "My spiritual energy seems to be recovering swiftly... did Yao Meng transfer more energy to me?" Mu Zhi'an pondered aloud. “Even if she desired, Yao Meng couldn’t transfer spiritual energy twice; your core would break under the strain.” Wei Mengrou shot him a look and explained: “Lingxuan administered two pills, afterwards binding you with the Chains of Time, hastening their effectiveness.” The Chains of Time could be used this way? To either slow or speed up time’s flow…? Truly befitting an ancient Ancestral Artifact, its powers were incredibly profound… Admirably observing the maid’s delicate profile, Mu Zhi'an marveled internally at the artifact's capabilities. Though Wei Mengrou had been at his side all along, one never tired of admiring her visage… especially in such an intimate setting where they were alone, with his hands bound, enhancing the room’s suggestive aura. --- A maid cast a disdainful gaze upon her master, clearly filled with contempt, while the master was bound by the Chains of Time. Nearby, a candleholder stood on the table... The scene, along with Wei Mengrou's attire, was simply too provocative! Seemingly aware of her young master's wandering eyes, Wei Mengrou stepped elegantly toward the bedside, looking down at him from above. Her vivid yellow dress complemented her flawless, porcelain-like skin. The material clung to her curvaceous figure, with her long, slender legs encased in delicate short boots. Her gaze, tinged with scorn, seemed designed to mask the care and concern buried beneath. Her lips were pressed together as she asked, almost casually, "You couldn't control the Heaven-Questioning Lock during the duel earlier?" Her beauty was unparalleled, her figure both sexy and graceful, and her legs—shapely and pristine. A thin black ribbon around her right leg carved out a tantalizing space... Out of ten, I’d rate a solid 9.5. If she were wearing black or white stockings, it would undoubtedly be a perfect score... Mu Zhi'an mused internally. Wei Mengrou quickly noticed the master's gaze, which roamed over her form. Her heart fluttered slightly, yet she met his eyes with derision. "Even in weakness, you find time for such thoughts. When will you ever be serious?" "Discarding the core issue, even if I'm at fault nine times out of ten, doesn't Dreamsoft Sister have her share of blame?!" Mu Zhi'an countered. Wei Mengrou glanced at him sideways: "?" Mu Zhi'an met her gaze and continued, "It's because you're just so charming, Dreamsoft Sister." Wei Mengrou froze briefly, then casually glanced away. "I've heard you say such lines countless times to the other girls. It’d be best to tone it down." Her tone remained calm and even, yet despite her tightly pressed lips, a slight smile escaped her control. It’s true—women don’t mind hearing clichéd words of affection, as long as they’re appropriately timed. Of course, this rests upon the major precondition… that there’s mutual affection between both parties. "By the way, could you unlock the Chains of Time for me? I’m almost fully recovered now," Mu Zhi'an requested abruptly. Looking at the Chains of Time, Wei Mengrou shook her head. "They're beyond my control, even for me. But according to Lingxuan, they’ll return to her after an hour." "An hour... then Dreamsoft Sister, stay and chat with me for a bit," Mu Zhi'an shamelessly suggested. Wei Mengrou hesitated, but ultimately took a seat beside the bed. Feeling his gaze immediately drawn towards her, a faint blush colored her typically cold face, yet she remained silent. Mu Zhi'an watched her and continued, "The pillow is a bit off, could you help me adjust it?" "Pillow…?" Wei Mengrou looked at him skeptically, not speaking further as Mu Zhi'an added, "Dreamsoft Sister’s thighs would be the perfect height." At last, his true intentions were revealed—it wasn’t about pillow height, but about wanting to rest his head on the maid's lap. Wei Mengrou cast a frosty glance, initially dismissive. However, when Mu Zhi'an began coughing, his lips paling slightly, she paused her reluctance. After a brief silence, she bent slightly, removed her short boots, and sat by Mu Zhi'an, allowing him to rest his head on her lap. As his cheek touched her soft lap, Mu Zhi'an couldn’t help but close his eyes, feeling his entire being relax into comfortable serenity, as though immersed in a cloud. In quietude, Wei Mengrou looked down at the youth on her snowy white thighs. His complexion had visibly improved; his eyes half-closed, he turned slightly, pressing into her for warmth, breathing in her subtle fragrance. You can always trust Dreamsoft Sister… Mu Zhi'an thought, nestled in her lap, silently expressing his faith. Time slipped away imperceptibly. Nearly an hour later, the chains binding Mu Zhi'an finally released on their own. Watching the golden chains slither out, Mu Zhi'an flexed his wrists, savoring the freedom. Then Wei Mengrou gently nudged him, rising to sit on the bed’s edge. With the warmth of her lap gone, Mu Zhi'an felt a slight pang of loss, yet refrained from asking for her lap to rest on again. Such exquisite softness was a rare comfort. But circumstances were unique; if someone unexpectedly entered, it’d be troublesome. In the future, when the moment was right, he’d have her wear black stockings for such a delight… He had many opportunities ahead, after all… The thought prompted Mu Zhi'an to wrap an arm around Wei Mengrou's slender waist. Without waiting for her to react, he drew her in. He had long yearned to do so, shackled as he had been by the Chains of Time. Wei Mengrou stiffened, then slowly relaxed, letting her forehead rest against his chest gently. Mu Zhi'an gazed down at her blushing, icy face. Seeing no significant struggle on her part, he grasped the moment, lightly kissing her ivory cheek. --- *First Chapter | Previous Chapter 363/718 | Next Chapter | Last Chapter | Directory* *Previous: "No One Knows How to Be the Villain Better Than Me"* *Next: "Anime Crossover: Becoming a Superhero at the Start"* *Recommended Reading!* *Martial Arts: Infinite Vitality Boost, Unrivaled Across the Realm* *I, Future Celestial Emperor, Join the Chat Group After Millennia of Slumber* *Voyage: Summoning the God of Thunder, Defeating Kaido in One Strike* *The Three-Body Problem: I Am a Bug, The Bug of the Hive!* *Anime Crossover: The Infinite Conquest* *Naruto: I, Naruto, Will Outshine Everyone Today* *Martial Arts: The Dao Rewards Hard Work, Hunted by Xu Wei Xiong* *Pokémon: Starting from Pallet Town* *Naruto: Reviving the Uchiha Clan, Starting with Polygamy* *Zombie: Marrying to Become the Tao Ancestor, Yue Qiluo Begs for Mercy*