364 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Chapter 364: So, They’re the Real Protagonists** Author: ccc "Is Yao Meng still with Ling Xuan and the others?" Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked softly. "It seems she went to find Luo Tan on the south bank," Wei Mengrou whispered, lowering her eyes as if wanting to be an ostrich burying its head in the sand, thinking: As long as I keep my head down, I don't have to acknowledge being in my master’s arms... Mu Zhi’an gently stroked Wei Mengrou’s silky hair, inhaling the subtle fragrance from his maid, while his thoughts grew livelier. Yao Meng went to see Luo Tan... Is she planning to make some kind of deal? The Empress of Yuzhou is an expert in alchemy, able to concoct many pills that even those at the Dao Integration stage can't. It's a pity that my spiritual sense was hijacked by the Demon Realm Empress that day; otherwise, I’d have had a chance for close contact with her… Mu Zhi’an couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. "How did Ye Yu fare in his match this afternoon?" Mu Zhi’an asked again. It was already dark outside, indicating that the Ascension Conference had concluded for the day. "He won," Wei Mengrou looked up at Mu Zhi’an and said softly, "Although I didn’t watch his match, the disciples at the scene said that Ye Yu's victory was overwhelming." Mu Zhi’an nodded slightly, not surprised. After all, he is the chosen one; if the Heavenly Dao picked him, his talent and fortune are certainly extraordinary, even if his brains might not be. Ye Yu's journey has been supported by an ancient, wise mentor and the mysterious aid of the Heavenly Dao. Mu Zhi’an had previously considered just getting rid of Ye Yu, but based on Yuanluo's explanation, such an act would provoke an unbearable backlash from the Heavenly Dao’s fortunes. Even if he could withstand it, it wasn’t worth the risk. Moreover, although Ye Qingxin’s favor towards him grew today, she still sides with Ye Yu since he is a member of the Ye family, her descendant. If he recklessly acted against Ye Yu now, it might trigger a war among those in the Dao Integration stage, something Mu Zhi’an didn’t want to see. It’s better for everyone to get along. Instead of a grand conflict, he preferred scenarios where Yao Meng would dominate Ye Qingxin in bed, or vice-versa, with him stepping in to subdue them both... "Rather than taking direct action against Ye Yu, continually suppressing his fortune is the safest way..." "Now I need to sow discord... For that, I have to prepare for tonight's rendezvous." While immersed in these thoughts, Mu Zhi’an suddenly heard urgent footsteps outside. Wei Mengrou reacted quickly, gently pushing away from Mu Zhi’an, escaping from his embrace, her cheeks flushed as she adjusted her disheveled attire, casting a resentful glance at the young man behind her. If not for Mu Zhi’an’s earlier antics, she wouldn't need to be in such a rush now. Mu Zhi’an gave her a helpless smile. It’s not my fault… Who could resist doing something when holding a beauty? Creak. The door quietly opened, and Mu Zhi’an immediately feigned weakness, turning pale and lying on the bed. "Xuan Sister…? And Ruoxi, why are you here?" As he saw Ye Lingxuan and the others at the door, Mu Zhi’an was about to support himself up, but Ye Lingxuan walked in first, pressing his shoulder, "Brother Mu should rest; don't strain yourself." She looked him over again with a hint of doubt. By her calculations, two Spirit Replenishing Pills should not have fully restored his spiritual energy but should have helped significantly, so why did he still look so pale? As she pondered this, she realized something was off, her gaze turning colder. His spiritual energy from the furnace seems almost fully restored... Bai Ruoxi glanced at Wei Mengrou, noticing the lingering blush on her face, and turned her gaze to Mu Zhi’an with gentle concern, "Mu Lang, do you feel better?" Mu Zhi’an nodded weakly, "Cough… much better now." He glanced at the door and asked, "Where are Qian’er and Senior Sister?" "Qian’er went to Dao Peak to get some pills from the master." "Lan Senior Sister also seemed to go back to refine pills, likely for Brother Mu," Ye Lingxuan replied. "Sorry for worrying you all." Mu Zhi’an sighed softly, his pale complexion and weakened demeanor enough to evoke a protectiveness in women. "As long as Brother Mu is alright." Ye Lingxuan flashed a sweet, innocent smile, then her eyes fell on Wei Mengrou, "Sister Mengrou, since Brother Mu is awake, let's leave him to rest. We shouldn’t disturb him." Wei Mengrou instinctively looked at Mu Zhi’an, who nodded subtly, and she softly agreed. Bai Ruoxi paused at the door, glanced back softly, "Mu Lang, take good care of yourself." Mu Zhi’an smiled and nodded, yet a faint unease lingered in his heart. Damn, their reactions are strange; they should be questioning me about Yao Meng, yet they haven’t said a word… Is it out of concern for me? That doesn’t seem right; they’re smart enough to sense my pretense of being ill... What plan are Ruoxi and the others hatching? Could it be that they’ve submitted to Yao Meng’s provocations? Seems unlikely… How could a ‘protagonist’ easily concede to a 'villain,' accepting such betrayal? Mu Zhi’an felt uncertain and puzzled. The unexpected reactions were hard to decipher. Sister Mengrou was right; there's nothing more inscrutable than a woman's heart... For now, he could only deal with whatever came his way, trusting they wouldn’t harm him. Mu Zhi’an calmed his thoughts, sitting cross-legged on the bed, realigning his chaotic spiritual energy. As time silently slipped by, night quietly blanketed the world outside Mu Zhi’an’s room while he meditated. Suddenly, a clear, melodious voice resonated in his ear: “I’ll be waiting at the Sky Pavilion of the Holy Palace.” Mu Zhi’an's eyes slowly opened. This was... Ye Qingxin's voice transmission! --- **Chapter 328: Mu Zhi'an's Tea Art 4K** At this moment, in a secluded room, Ye Yu gradually opened his eyes, breathing in the essence of spirit energy. After absorbing the chaotic spiritual energy into his furnace, he could feel his strength advancing significantly. This was the benefit bestowed by his master's technique. Logically, watching his power grow steadily each day should have filled Ye Yu with joy, yet today's events left an irritation in his heart that he couldn’t shake, making meditation difficult and nearly causing him to cough up blood. "Are you still upset over the first-grade artifact spirit being taken by Mu Zhi’an today?" the old man within him asked, noting Ye Yu's grim expression and mounting frustration. The first-grade artifact spirit had been a gift from Ye Yu's ancestor to Mu Zhi’an… Truly a hard pill to swallow. Hearing his master's inquiry, Ye Yu's eyes flared with intense resentment, as he struck the bed frame with a fist. "If I had entered that door, I could have passed the trials that Mu Zhi’an endured. But I wasn't even given a chance to attempt them." Just recalling the day’s events stoked Ye Yu’s unyielding resentment. Clenching his teeth, he stood and stepped into the courtyard, intending to refine his skills further. But as he exited, he saw a fiery, elegant figure transform into a streak of light, disappearing from the courtyard. "Why is the ancestor going out so late...?" Ye Yu wondered, surprise flickering in his eyes. Ye Qingxin had ascended the immortal realm long ago and shouldn’t have had many acquaintances in the mortal realm. Yet, her late departure was puzzling. For some reason, an uneasy premonition gripped Ye Yu. Pondering a certain possibility filled him with mounting anger and discontent. "Master, can you track where the ancestor is headed?" Ye Yu asked. Given his current strength, and with his master's aid, Ye Yu could unleash the power of a Return to Void cultivator, though tracking a Dao Integration expert was uncertain. The old man, unfazed, said, "She hasn’t concealed her energy signature. By tracing it, finding her shouldn’t be difficult." "However, since your ancestor is a Dao Integration expert, have you considered the consequences of following her?" Ye Yu quickly replied, "I’m concerned she might be deceived, not intending to spy on her." **Today, Ye Qingxin’s various behaviors had left Ye Yu feeling utterly disheartened. Observing her leave late at night only deepened his unease.** Initially, she allowed Mu Zhi’an to pass through the trials of the Celestial Cave, then gifted him a first-grade artifact spirit... Clearly, as a descendant of the Ye family, Ye Yu felt the benefits should lie with him, yet all seemed to favor Mu Zhi’an. The thought of Ye Qingxin potentially meeting with his nemesis tonight, cherishing romantic moments and leaning affectionately in Mu Zhi’an’s embrace, fanned an intolerable fire in Ye Yu’s heart. “Have you considered that perhaps Mu Zhi’an succeeded in today’s trial simply because he discovered how to open that door, without behind-the-scenes help from your ancestor?” the elder within him suggested. “Even so, Mu Zhi’an didn't deserve the first-grade artifact spirit at all. You just don’t understand, Master!” Ye Yu’s hatred vented toward his teacher, whose teachings were integral to his current achievements. But today's events filled him with irritation, compounded by his master’s defense of Mu Zhi’an, making it all the more unbearable. The old man in Ye Yu’s ring sighed, “In times of strife, one must remain calm. I believed recent trials had honed your mind, enabling you to tackle challenges calmly.” “Yet, facing Mu Zhi’an, your composure falters.” “Your ancestor indeed acted for your good; she wouldn’t have stepped in to aid you otherwise. Reflect on this: if Mu Zhi’an hadn't passed the trial, who would gift such a precious item—a first-grade artifact spirit comparable to a Dao Integration grand tool—to a stranger?” Upon hearing this, Ye Yu calmed down after releasing his earlier negative emotions. “So, I acted rashly…” As his agitation subsided, Ye Yu also recalled Ye Qingxin’s apparent interest in Mu Zhi’an today, leaving him feeling powerless and unwilling. Even if his ancestor had acted to assist him today, she showed some interest in Mu Zhi’an later... If they truly were meeting privately tonight... Wouldn’t that mean watching his ancestor being pushed into a precarious situation? “Master, please attach yourself to me. I must find out where my ancestor went tonight,” Ye Yu declared decisively. If discovered, he could simply explain his actions as concern for her. ... The Sky Pavilion, elevated about a hundred meters high, was a major feature of the Holy Palace. Due to the recent First Demon Emperor incident, the palace appeared somewhat deserted. Ye Qingxin appeared as a streak of red light, arriving at the pavilion in an instant. She stood with her hands behind her back, the wind fluttering her clothes closely around her delicate figure, accentuating her alluring curves. Sensing something, she glanced sideways at the black-robed youth who followed her and expressed slight surprise in her red eyes: "You have a match tomorrow. Instead of training, why are you here?" Ye Yu clasped his hands respectfully, “Ancestor left late at night, so I was concerned for your safety and came to check.” Ye Qingxin paused, a touch of coolness entering her gaze as she gently acknowledged, “I’m fine, but if you’re worried, sit and meditate here for a while.” Ye Qingxin was perceptive enough to catch the underlying meaning in Ye Yu’s words. It boiled down to a lack of trust in her, prompting him and the spirit within him to follow her here. But she understood. The past enmity between Mu Zhi’an and Ye Yu justified his concern, especially after she gave Mu Zhi’an a first-grade artifact spirit. For now, Ye Yu would stay here. ... Mu Zhi’an slightly closed his eyes, ensuring he couldn’t sense the spiritual energies of Ye Lingxuan and the others, before leaving his room and stepping into the courtyard. He formed a hand seal and waved his hand. *First Chapter Previous Chapter 364/718 Next Chapter Last Chapter Table of Contents* *Previous: No One Understands Being a Villain Better Than Me* *Next: Comprehensive Animation: Transforming into a Superhero at the Start* **Recommended Reading!** - Martial Arts: Infinite Vitality Points, Unmatched in the Jianghu - I, Quasi-Immortal Emperor, Joining the Chat Group After Millennia - Sailing: Summoning the Thunder God, Defeating Kaido in One Slash - Three-Body Universe: I Am an Insect, of the Insect Race! - Comprehensive Animation: The Infinite Conquest - Leaf Village: I, Naruto, Will Outdo All Present - Martial Arts: The Way of Providence Rewards Diligence, Chased by Xu Weixiong - Pokémon: Starting from Pallet Town - Leaf Village: Reviving the Uchiha Clan, Starting with Multiple Wives - Zombie: Becoming the Path Ancestor by Taking Multiple Wives, Yue Qiluo Asks for Mercy **Copyright©2022 All Rights Reserved by FanFiction Network**