381 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

**Passage Translation** **Web Novel Platform for Fanfiction** Search Fan Fiction Complete Fanfiction Ongoing Fanfiction Rankings **Home > Fanfiction > "Turns Out They Are the Protagonists"** ### Chapter 381: "Turns Out They Are the Protagonists" **Author: ccc** "Thanks to Miss Xiao for the pill you just crafted. In all my years within the sect, it’s the first time I've seen such high-quality pills made by a peer. It seems Miss Xiao’s talent in alchemy in Yuzhou is second to none." Hearing Mu Zhian’s heartfelt praise, Xiao Shuixian came back to her senses. Her initial awkwardness when meeting strangers began to dissipate. If one were to set aside the issue of romantic entanglements, this Young Master Mu was indeed a refined gentleman—not just courteous and polite, but also approachable, showing no arrogance despite having Green Emperor as his backing. The atmosphere between the two relaxed considerably as Mu Zhian started introducing the various sights within the Liangyi Sect and inquired about the situation in Yuzhou. When Xiao Shuixian spoke about Yuzhou, Mu Zhian proved to be a patient listener, showing genuine interest, which further increased Xiao Shuixian’s favorable impression of him. As the protégé of Zunyun Academy’s headmaster, Xiao Shuixian excelled in alchemy, surpassing her peers. Born with the Divine Monarch Bone and her unique constitution, she was as popular in Zunyun Academy as Lan Muling, admired by many. Therefore, she had met countless young talents before, but few like Mu Zhian, who was so humble and gentle. There seemed to be a unique charm in his words and actions, attracting attention to his face, even if one knew he had a dao partner, they wouldn't mind engaging in long discussions with him. Naturally, Mu Zhian observed Xiao Shuixian’s demeanor. Sipping his tea quietly, he found it quite amusing. Though he was the protagonist’s destined partner, logically, he shouldn’t have such a strong allure to those outside the 'main characters.' Yet, this Chosen One’s sister appeared to have quite a liking for him, which was indeed interesting. If only Sister Mengrou weren’t here... I might even try to pursue something... Mu Zhian mused privately before inquiring more about the people around Xiao Shuixian. As the conversation flowed, Mu Zhian casually asked, "Miss Shuixian, I noticed you didn’t participate in the competition this time. It’s the Saint Son and Saint Daughter representing Yuzhou, but your abilities seem even greater than theirs... Is there any reason for this?" Xiao Shuixian hesitated slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of melancholy. "If it’s inconvenient, you need not speak of it," Mu Zhian promptly added. "It's alright. It’s not really something that can’t be talked about." Xiao Shuixian gently shook her head and explained, "To be honest with Young Master Mu, the Saint Son representing Yuzhou in this Ascension Conference is actually my cousin." "I wished to give him a chance to showcase himself to Her Majesty the Empress." She paused and sighed, "Or rather, it's a way for me to compensate him." Compensation...? Mu Zhian narrowed his eyes with interest. He listened patiently as Xiao Shuixian recounted her story, occasionally asking a question here and there, gradually clarifying the sibling relationship. In the past, Xiao Hua was a prodigy born with natural phenomena, but as a child, he was tragically harmed, losing the Divine Monarch Bone. Fortunately, Empress Lotan happened to pass by and had her maids heal him. Since then, Xiao Hua had gradually risen to become one of Yuzhou's top talents today. However, due to his childhood experiences, his spiritual senses were naturally weaker than others, preventing him from ever entering the field of alchemy. "Brother Xiao Hua had such a difficult childhood. It’s truly pitiful." Mu Zhian sighed and said casually, "But if I’m not mistaken, there was thunderous chaos in the palace where Empress Lotan resided yesterday, and then the fragrance of medicine filled the air... I thought Brother Xiao Hua was alchemizing. It seems that wasn’t him, was it?" Xiao Shuixian nodded slightly, "His spiritual sense is weak, he can't possibly craft pills." A weak spiritual sense... Mu Zhian’s gaze flickered, and he suddenly chuckled, "That’s odd. The person was making a sixth-grade elixir yesterday. Why would Her Majesty refine such an elixir out of the blue?" Xiao Shuixian was momentarily stunned, a trace of doubt clouding her eyes. Right, what was Her Majesty doing making a sixth-grade elixir suddenly? She had seen the pill's tribulation yesterday but hadn’t thought much of it. Now that Young Master Mu mentioned it... could it be Xiao Hua crafting the pill then? But how could his spiritual sense possibly allow him to make pills...? Mu Zhian discreetly glanced beyond the private courtyard, having already sensed the young man pacing outside. It was Xiao Hua. Suppressing his spiritual aura and trailing his sister... interesting. Maintaining his usual warm smile, Mu Zhian gracefully concluded the topic, "Thank you, Miss Xiao, for your concern. With this pill, I believe I’ll recover sooner." Xiao Shuixian, still immersed in thought about Mu Zhian’s earlier comments regarding Xiao Hua and alchemy, was brought back to reality upon hearing him speak. She gracefully returned his smile, seen as a cue, and took her leave. Meanwhile, outside Tianhe Courtyard, Xiao Hua was still pacing anxiously. His sister had been in this courtyard for nearly half an hour now, which inevitably led to wild imaginings. "Miss Xiao, it’s rather inappropriate for me to accept your pill without offering something in return. If you’re willing, please accept this Qi Condensation Pill. It will accelerate your cultivation, a small token of appreciation." Startled by the faint conversation from the courtyard, Xiao Hua quickly hid behind a nearby statue, suppressing his aura. Soon, he saw Mu Zhian escorting Xiao Shuixian out, walking side by side with an elegant yet soft smile on her face, an atmosphere that seemed harmonious. "Sister..." Xiao Hua’s expression darkened slightly, jealousy welling up inside him. In Yuzhou, his sister had never worn such expressions even before significant figures. What sweet-talking nonsense had Mu Zhian spewed to earn such a subtle yet coy demeanor from the sister known for her aloofness? They had only met twice! Moreover, the maid accompanying this who-cultivates-at-the-spiritual-realm young man was strikingly beautiful and seemed on the verge of breaking through to the Returning Void level... Watching the tall, cold-looking maid in a yellow dress walking behind them, Xiao Hua felt a surge of inexplicable imbalance. Although he, as the Saint Son, had plenty of girls around him, no maid could compare to those around Mu Zhian. Empress Lotan was indeed a beauty... but the Empress, even in his past life, was unattainable, much less now. Despite his internal turmoil, Xiao Hua, having lived two lives and been a top presence somewhere before, managed to restrain his negative emotions. Judging by Mu Zhian’s occasional glances towards his sister, it seemed he had his sights set on her... Regardless, he had to approach his sister and warn her to be cautious of him. Xiao Hua resolved internally, already forming plans. On the other side, after seeing Xiao Shuixian off, Mu Zhian glanced nonchalantly at the distant statue. Although most wouldn’t notice, with his keen perception, he of course sensed the presence behind the statue. Mu Zhian curled his lips slightly but feigned ignorance. Even as the Chosen One, Xiao Hua likely never expected the Celestial Physique to detect his aura. Despite some unexpected developments today, overall, it was a mixed bag. At least the various anomalies surrounding Xiao Hua suggested he might no longer be the same Xiao Hua as before. Rebirth? Or possession? Mu Zhian mused as he leisurely returned to his dwelling, contemplating these aspects while tending to his injuries. ... That night. Lan Muling’s actions today caused a significant stir within the sect, spreading spirited discussions everywhere. While Mu Zhian lost today, public chatter wasn’t about his defeat, but whether he truly ‘lost.’ Even those who had initially hoped for his downfall found no joy. After all, by any measure, Mu Zhian may have lost the battle but won in life. Due to the Lan Muling incident, Mu Zhian, thrust into the spotlight, witnessed a dozen challenge notes glowing gold appear in his courtyard by nightfall. Of course, Mu Zhian, disliking needless conflict, accepted none. ... Meanwhile, deep within Dehe Courtyard. **"Turns Out They Are the Protagonists" - Chapter 381** "Unexpectedly, Elder Sister Qingxin came to Dexin Residence. I thought you had high hopes for Ye Yu and would continue to guide him," Ye Sisi said as she sat in the courtyard, her tea-colored hair cascading down. Her face was a mix of surprise, joy, and a complex array of emotions as she looked at Ye Qingxin, who had just resolved Ye Qian’s confusion. Ye Qingxin, the venerable ancestor of the Ye family, stood with her hands behind her back, gazing at the swirling fine snow. Her luxurious black and red gown danced with the night wind, exuding an awe-inspiring beauty that was difficult to match. Her expression was calm and serene. "There’s no point in discussing Ye Yu." The forbidden zone and the Ye family had long been separated. Within the Liangyi Sect, the two talented Ye family members were Ye Yu and his sister Ye Qian. Initially, Ye Qingxin intended to help her descendants to get rid of any bullying troubles and then visit Ye Qian. Compared to Ye Yu, Ye Qian was not much of a concern. After all, in East Continent, the Forbidden Zone was one of the two major powers, and the Saintess of the Forbidden Zone was Ye Qian's elder sister. Who would dare bully her? But who would have thought she would be wrong in her judgment. Recalling Ye Yu's various behaviors left Ye Qingxin feeling disheartened. However, Ye Qian's performance tonight brought her a small measure of warmth. Not all Ye family descendants were as ungrateful as Ye Yu, it seemed. Ye Sisi squinted her eyes slightly, as if she guessed something. "Elder Sister Qingxin, are you still unwilling to let Mu Zhian go?" Ye Sisi suddenly asked. The sisters of the Ye family had just returned inside to meditate; now, it was just the two of them here, so there was no need to avoid any topics. "Mu Zhian is undeniably a rare talent. When I first descended to the lower realm, I held biases against him, but those misunderstandings are now resolved," Ye Qingxin shook her head. "So, Elder Sister Qingxin, you have met him previously?" Ye Sisi caught on to the implications in the ancestor's words, her eyes revealing a hint of surprise. After all, this ancestor of the Ye family had an exceedingly high standard. Even Ye Yu in the past was only favored because he was a Ye family descendant. Mu Zhian was merely an outsider, and yet he managed to earn such a high evaluation, which was quite rare. A cold wind blew by, and Ye Qingxin's figure seemed to flicker, as if she might disappear into the wind at any moment. "Elder Sister Qingxin, your spiritual sense..." Ye Sisi looked up in surprise at Ye Qingxin’s ethereal and hauntingly beautiful presence, sensing that her spiritual sense had weakened considerably. Ye Qingxin shook her head with a faint smile. "Do not worry. This time, I descended with a wisp of spiritual sense and never intended to stay in the Nine Provinces long." "This wisp can last for a time here. Seeing the current state of the Ye family is already enough." For Mu Zhian to reach the path of enlightenment would take a long time. Even after this wisp dissipates, once he fulfills his promise post-attainment, opening the gates of the Celestial Court, she would naturally descend once more. Ye Sisi opened her mouth slightly, wanting to say more, but seeing Ye Qingxin's noble and beautiful silhouette with her serene expression, she held back. Indeed, even if Ye Qingxin's spiritual sense dissipates, it doesn’t signify death but merely a return to the Celestial Court. They would surely meet again on the path to immortality. After staying in the courtyard a while longer, Ye Sisi returned inside to meditate. Ye Qingxin, meanwhile, watched the snowflakes fluttering against the night, her deep, tranquil gaze lost in thought. It was then she seemed to perceive something, turning her head towards the entrance of the secluded courtyard. From afar, she saw Mu Zhian entering through the gates of Dexin Residence. Mu Zhian also noticed Ye Qingxin in the courtyard and lifted his gaze, his eyes involuntarily lighting up. Though not the first time seeing Ye Qingxin, he couldn’t help but be struck by her beauty. "You’ve finally come, senior; I believe Qian’er will be very happy tonight," Mu Zhian approached Ye Qingxin with a smile, greeting her warmly. A rare, gentle smile appeared in Ye Qingxin’s eyes as she spoke, "Young Mu is correct. Qian’er is indeed a polite girl, and her talent is quite impressive too." "Both Qian’er and Lingxuan are polite girls. In truth, most of the Ye family's descendants are quite remarkable," Mu Zhian chuckled. Then, he cast a casual glance at the shapely beauty beside him and hesitated momentarily, furrowing his brow, "It seems Senior’s spiritual sense has weakened considerably. Is it due to yesterday’s assistance?" Even though he knew she wouldn’t die, only likely returning to the Celestial Court at some point, there was still a touch of reluctance... Ye Qingxin looked at the silent young man, her enchanting red eyes softening, "No need for sorrow on my account. After all, even now, this wisp is sufficient for an extended stay in the Nine Provinces." "In the future, once you achieve enlightenment and fulfill our agreement, we shall meet again." Despite her words, Mu Zhian couldn't completely shake his regret. For such a beautiful and noble ancestor to simply leave the Nine Provinces felt somewhat of a waste.