366 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists
**Tōng Rén Novel Network** **Search** **Fan Fiction** **Complete Fan Fiction** **Ongoing Fan Fiction** **Rankings** **Home > Fan Fiction > So, They Were the Protagonists** **So, They Were the Protagonists Chapter 366** **Author: ccc** The so-called master of the celestial court, though ruler of such a grand place, does not turn away any ascendant, especially those brought by a powerful cultivator in the Union realm. Even the master of the celestial court would not refuse them. After all, having someone in the Union realm join the celestial court is in itself a bolstering of its strength. "Something concerning me and the Ye family...?" Ye Yu halted in his steps. So it turns out that the ancestor made some sort of agreement with Mu Zhian for the sake of me and the Ye family...? But why would someone in the Union realm need anything from a God Refining Realm practitioner? Ye Yu wanted to turn back and question Ye Qingxin about what this was all about, but having just declared his intent to leave, his pride prevented him from asking. Thus, stiffening his neck, he transformed into a streak of light, disappearing from the celestial pavilion. Tonight's events, instigated by Mu Zhian, had left his mind a jumbled mess, like a pot of boiling porridge. He needed to calm down. Furthermore, he couldn't bear to ask now, especially after just venting his frustration. However, as Ye Yu departed, he failed to notice that some precious things around him were quietly slipping away. ... Mu Zhian raised his head to watch the scene, his expression unchanged, though the corners of his mouth slightly lifted, almost breaking into a laugh. But of course, a qualified actor wouldn't let such a smile easily surface. Ever since his birth, Ye Yu had been one protected by destiny, naturally contradicting the notion of everyone being against him. Wanting something requires giving something in return. In his past, Mu Zhian would go to great lengths to win over beauties, achieving his desires by treating elixirs as everyday meals and dual-cultivating with Yao Meng to acquire a top-tier cultivation method... In his case, living off others truly was rewarding. And Ye Yu, in his quest for power, had forsaken all intimate ties, obtaining what he desired. From Mu Zhian's perspective, there was no room for pity for Ye Yu. After Ye Yu was chosen by the Heavenly Dao of the Nine Provinces, there was no negotiating space between them. If Ye Yu's power wasn't suppressed now, once his cultivation advanced, he'd certainly not spare Mu Zhian. Nonetheless, Ye Yu, though average in emotional intelligence, had a remarkable knack for attracting women. First, there was a beautiful fiancée, then two elegant and refined sisters, and now even this stunning ancestor of the Ye family... Mu Zhian sighed inwardly. Combined with Ye Yu's destined aura... It could be said that if Mu Zhian hadn't awakened memories of his past life, continually beating the once arrogant Ye Yu into a corner, this chosen of destiny would indeed have been the epitome of success. But now... Your ancestor is very beautiful, but in a moment, she'll be mine... Watching Ye Yu's departing figure, Mu Zhian sighed lightly and said, "In truth, there's nothing wrong with Ye brother, except that he's too impulsive." "Many of the grudges between us really stemmed from misunderstandings like today." "Apologies. Senior Ye must have found tonight difficult as well? I never expected Ye Yu to accompany you here, thinking the celestial court matter would remain our secret..." Ye Qingxin remained silent, her hands behind her back, her eyes reflecting a trace of disappointment. Then, shaking her head slightly, she softly spoke, "No matter. Mu young friend is right; the celestial court is a complex matter, best kept from wider knowledge." Ye Yu's conduct tonight had greatly diminished his standing in her eyes. Initially, she thought her descendant possessed exceptional talent and, though lacking in poise, was favored by great fortune. Yet his repeated performances were ultimately disappointing. Without sufficient character, even a genius holds little meaning. She's encountered countless so-called geniuses, blessed with talent and fortune, who nonetheless failed to achieve greatness without the requisite character. In contrast, Mu Zhian, whom Ye Yu dismissed as a libertine, showed remarkable composure. Though not particularly gifted, his demeanor was quite pleasant. Otherwise, why would she have spoken up for him right from the start? "Your innate furnace is rather unlike the others I've seen; has it gone through some form of evolution?" Ye Qingxin composed her thoughts quickly, turning to inquire. Since detecting Mu Zhian's innate furnace, Ye Qingxin had been aware of its unique nature. Ordinarily, an innate furnace, despite its rarity, is not something unknown within the vast Nine Provinces. She had seen uniquely gifted innate furnaces before, such as with Emperor Luo Tan of Yu Province, who possessed dual constitutions of an innate furnace and an elixir body. Yet Mu Zhian's innate furnace surpassed even Luo Tan's uniqueness. Typically, an innate furnace cannot absorb celestial court spiritual energy, not even Luo Tan's innate spirit body, yet Mu Zhian accomplished just that. This confirmed his significant link to the celestial court. "In response to Senior, I had several fortunate encounters in my past, causing my innate furnace to evolve several times," Mu Zhian replied respectfully. An evolving innate furnace... Ye Qingxin pressed her lips, her enchanting eyes concealing a hint of shock. It was her first time hearing of an evolving innate furnace, explaining why it could absorb spiritual energy from the celestial court. "You've been to the celestial court, haven't you?" Ye Qingxin asked again. The spiritual energy within Mu Zhian's innate furnace was clearly not acquired from her own celestial court, but likely from past opportunities. She had been observing the scroll during Mu Zhian's trial in her celestial court hand, aware of these situations. Mu Zhian nodded slightly, "Nothing escapes you, Senior. I did indeed visit the celestial court in the past." "The time of the Ascension Road?" Ye Qingxin inquired. "Just as you guessed, Senior." Hearing Mu Zhian's affirmative response, Ye Qingxin understood. She wasn't surprised. In fact, his reply was anticipated. According to projections, the next occurrence of the Ascension Road should align three thousand years into the future within the Southern Wilderness. Yet, it arrived three thousand years earlier than she projected. The cause was likely due to Mu Zhian. Indeed, he was significantly associated with the master of the celestial court, possibly even being him... "Why are you still so concerned with the celestial court since you have ascended into it?" Mu Zhian inquired sincerely. Ye Qingxin responded wistfully, "Only I ascended. After a long life, new goals inevitably arise... Like opening the celestial gate so my descendants can share similar benefits." "Even an ordinary cultivator, upon ascending to the celestial court, can extend their lifespan by at least a thousand years, though infinite longevity may not be guaranteed. But opening the celestial gate requires one of two methods." "One is to comply with celestial court rules, the other," Ye Qingxin glanced at Mu Zhian, "is the approval of the celestial court's ruler." Ye Qingxin truly cares for her descendants, wishing not only for her own ascension but for her entire clan to ascend, creating a legendary tale in the Nine Provinces? Mu Zhian maintained composure, "Senior, what you've mentioned, I'm aware of, but while I can alter celestial court rules, opening its gate remains challenging." He wasn't lying; though he could open the ring left by the first demon emperor, it allowed only himself, and only his spirit, not his physical body, could enter the celestial court. Ye Qingxin wasn't surprised, "It's indeed difficult to open the celestial gate at your current level." However, though Mu Zhian cannot open the gate now, what about when he achieves a greater level of understanding or insight later? As if reading her thoughts, Mu Zhian bowed slightly, "If I can help Senior in the future, I will spare no effort." Ye Qingxin was taken aback, clearly not expecting such a straightforward promise without any negotiation of terms. Even with her preconceived notions from the scrolls, her view of Mu Zhian improved further. Her elegant gaze lingered on him for a moment before she took out a delicate jade bottle from her sleeve. "Since Mu young friend has agreed, I can't let you leave empty-handed tonight." "This is a ninth-tier elixir, the Ascendant Pill." "Once refined, it will form a protective layer over your spirit, shielding you from mental assaults. For one month after consumption, it will allow you to peer into the secrets of techniques and directly comprehend them." A ninth-tier elixir?! No less than what you'd expect from a celestial court visitor, truly a treasure... Despite his burning eagerness, Mu Zhian remained rational, asking with surprise, "Do you trust me so easily, unafraid of deceit?" Even he hadn't anticipated Ye Qingxin offering the elixir outright as part of their arrangement. Ye Qingxin smiled gently, "You might be capable of deception, but your innate furnace cannot lie." "Thank you, Senior." Mu Zhian received the jade bottle with both hands, displaying the utmost respect and gratitude of a junior to a superior. "I vow that if I reach the Comprehension Realm in the future, I will help you achieve your wish for your entire clan to ascend," Mu Zhian declared with firm conviction. Ye Qingxin gave a soft smile, "It's getting late. If there's nothing else, you should head back. The Green Emperor might not know you're out, does he?" Seeing this as a good point to retreat, Mu Zhian promptly bowed, "Then, I'll take my leave." With that, Mu Zhian left the celestial pavilion, the Ascendant Pill in hand, riding his sword into the night's sky. Meanwhile, Ye Qingxin watched him go, a faint sigh escaping her lips, along with a sense of regret. If only this person were a descendant of the Ye family. ... After Mu Zhian returned to the Liuli Palace, he pondered for a moment and decided to forgo visiting his sister Ling Xuan at Dexin Pavilion, instead heading directly to Tianhe Courtyard. Today's encounter with Ye Qingxin, dressed so alluringly, left him in need of comfort, which he sought from Nai Xi. Upon reaching Tianhe Courtyard, Mu Zhian navigated the winding paths until he reached the room of the beautiful woman who had been endlessly working. "Ruoxi, I'm coming in." After a gentle knock on the door, Mu Zhian quietly pushed it open. What met his eyes caused him to pause in surprise. Bai Ruoxi had just awakened from her meditation. There was a hint of blush at the corners of her eyes, and her white palace dress glistened with a raven-like sheen. She exuded an inexplicable allure that was absent before, replacing her usual fragility. Sensing Mu Zhian's presence, Bai Ruoxi turned slightly, greeting him with a gentle smile, "Mu Lang, you're back?" she called softly. Something about Ruoxi's attire and demeanor felt slightly off… Mu Zhian was filled with uncertainty, an ominous feeling creeping through him. Bai Ruoxi approached with graceful steps, nestling into Mu Zhian's embrace. Her eyes, filled with moisture, looked up at him tenderly, "Mu Lang~" The moment before Mu Zhian could savor Bai Ruoxi's soft warmth, her voice turned even softer, as if it could overflow with tenderness. "Is this how you and the Green Emperor teamed up to bully me today?" Mu Zhian's arms, which had just been about to envelop Bai Ruoxi, paused abruptly, and he looked down in shock at the woman in his arms. Gong Lian Yue?! At that moment, as he enjoyed the pleasant sensation of having a soft beauty in his arms, his mind was a chaos of questions. Wasn't Gong Lian Yue supposed to awaken only after Ruoxi officially entered the Return to Void Realm? But now, although Ruoxi was near peeking at the brink of the God Refining pinnacle, she hadn't reached Return to Void, so why had Gong Lian Yue awakened so soon...? Mu Zhian observed the beauty in palace attire within his embrace, her figure tightly wrapped in an intricately designed black-and-white dress, her curves sensual. Her hands encircled Mu Zhian's waist, as she raised her delicate, porcelain face, her eyes watery and endearing. From her face down to her pale neck, a voluptuous form barely hidden by her attire caught glimpses of allure. This blossoming beauty had been Mu Zhian's ceaseless pursuit—ordinarily, he would have been quick to appreciate it. Yet, there was a nagging sense of unease in Mu Zhian now. This woman seemed to be not Bai Ruoxi, but Gong Lian Yue?! "Mu Lang, why aren't you speaking?" Bai Ruoxi looked up, her moist and gentle eyes fixed on him, but beneath her usual innocent visage was now a touch of enchantment. Her moist lips were pursed, making her look ever more tempting. In reality, Bai Ruoxi was not Gong Lian Yue. The influence of the latter had emerged when Ruoxi, nearing the Return to Void Realm, was stirred by the affair with the Green Emperor, indirectly tapping into Gong Lian Yue's characteristics. But this was temporary. Nonetheless, it was more than enough to shake Mu Zhian… Quickly connecting to his innate spiritual body's unique constitution, Mu Zhian discerned the alteration in Bai Ruoxi's spiritual energy. Upon looking at the beauty in his hold, his worries eased. This wasn't Gong Lian Yue's spiritual energy; it still belonged to Ruoxi, albeit entwined with traces of Gong Lian Yue's energy. It seemed Ruoxi, near Return to Void, the "scabbard," began sensing the "sword blade's" influence...