382 - It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

### Chapter 382: It Turns Out, They Are the Main Characters **Author: ccc** Even though there was still a long time before Ye Qingxin would leave, the thought of her spiritual consciousness eventually dissipating filled people with regret. "I never thought the person who cares the most about me isn’t a descendant of the Ye family, but rather the person I initially targeted," Ye Qingxin reflected, her eyes gentle as she looked at Mu Zhian. Despite being a romantic, this young man was genuinely sincere with those around him. "I believe it’s not just me; Qing'er and Lingxuan would be equally saddened if they knew," Mu Zhian remarked, shaking his head. "I am determined to fulfill the promise I made to you, Senior, but seeing your spiritual consciousness slowly fade away is unavoidable and disheartening." "If there’s any way I can assist you, Senior, I’ll spare no effort." The sound of the wind and snow echoed around them. After a moment’s silence, Ye Qingxin softly spoke, "If we must speak of it, there is indeed a method to nourish the spiritual consciousness." Mu Zhian's sincere expression prompted Ye Qingxin to lift her enchanting red eyes and gaze at him, letting out a sudden chuckle. "But, it might be a bit unfair to the Azure Emperor." Mu Zhian understood the underlying implication in Ye Qingxin's words, given his past experiences. Ordinarily, someone would be captivated and flustered by such seductive remarks from this beautiful ancestor. Yet, Mu Zhian showed only surprise on his face. Noticing Ye Qingxin's captivating red eyes fixed on him, Mu Zhian was initially shocked, then slightly resigned, "You jest, Senior. Though I admire the Azure Emperor Sister and others, I don’t plan to casually betray them." After a pause, he sighed, "Even if my words sound unconvincing now, I truly am not so frivolous." The sincerity in his words made the last hint of coldness in Ye Qingxin's eyes vanish. There had been various conflicts between Mu Zhian and Ye Yu, such as Ye Yu’s fiancée breaking off their engagement, and Ye Lingxuan and Ye Qian recognizing Mu Zhian as a brother while ignoring Ye Yu. Furthermore, Ye Qingxin herself began to disdain Ye Yu, the Ye family's prodigious talent. If it were merely coincidental, it seemed too much so. What had transpired might well be due to Mu Zhian's covert maneuvers... However, regardless of that, the way Ye Yu treated Ye Qingxin, one of the Ye family's ancestors, was evident. Now, these matters no longer concerned Mu Zhian. In fact, she should be grateful to him for revealing Ye Yu’s true nature to her. This realization prompted another question in Ye Qingxin’s mind... Why was Mu Zhian so close to her? Ye Qingxin had contemplated several possibilities, and her earlier remarks indeed carried a hint of probing. Now, upon hearing Mu Zhian's reply, she finally dismissed any remaining suspicion towards him. Mu Zhian continued, "I vow to use every method possible to find a way to extend your spiritual consciousness, Senior." If no other methods were found, one could always resort to dual cultivation as a last resort, making everything seem more natural. The allure in Ye Qingxin's eyes gradually faded as she gazed at Mu Zhian. She chuckled softly, "I was just joking earlier. Even without naturally born spiritual energy conduits, my spiritual consciousness can last for hundreds to thousands of years in Kyushu." She added, "If any issues arise, you can find me at the South Bank. Though with the Azure Emperor guiding you personally, I doubt you'll need my help." "You jest, Senior," Mu Zhian responded. "Every individual's cultivation understanding is different, and besides, you’ve been to the Celestial Court before... Honestly, I’m quite intrigued by it." Ye Yu didn’t know to cherish what he had, not caring to cozy up to his beautiful ancestor. But Mu Zhian wasn’t foolish. If his feelings for Ye Qingxin were more established, he'd embrace her instantly. Ye Qingxin, with a faint smile, nodded approvingly. "Technically, you’re almost like a member of the Ye family, and our agreement needs to wait till enlightenment. If you have any confusion, feel free to ask me." His respect contrasted sharply with the past behavior of Ye Yu, enhancing Ye Qingxin's already favorable view of Mu Zhian. "Thank you, Senior!" Recalling her earlier words, Mu Zhian inquired, "Are you not planning to stay at Dexinyuan?" "There’s a special formation at the South Bank, which allows my spiritual consciousness to be constantly nourished," Ye Qingxin explained, a subtle smile on her exquisite face. "The Medicine Emperor of Yuzhou has also descended with a wisp of spiritual consciousness this time. I presume the formation was prepared by Sect Master Sister beforehand." Could she have anticipated Ye Qingxin’s descent into the world...? Mu Zhian chose not to press further. "If you ever need anything else from me, Senior, please let me know. I’m deeply grateful for the Grace of the Heaven Lock and for guiding my sisters. I wouldn’t hesitate even to risk my life." He mused silently, considering how different Mu Zhian’s approach was compared to Ye Yu’s. Why was Mu Zhian so courteous given their past conflict? Her earlier actions defending Ye Yu hadn’t deterred Mu Zhian, who remained gracious. In parting, Ye Qingxin experienced a stirring warmth in her heart, and after chatting a bit more, her fiery silhouette transformed into a wisp of red smoke, leaving Dexinyuan. Mu Zhian watched her departure, filled with a sense of nostalgia and emotion. "If it weren’t for Ye Yu, I might never have gotten close to Elder Sister Ye..." "But advancing further might take time..." Unfortunately, if the Original Witch’s spiritual consciousness still resided within Sister Mengrou, Ye Qingxin’s spiritual consciousness could enter my innate spiritual vessel... Just as spiritual consciousness naturally resonates with spiritual energy, if she favored the spiritual energy within the vessel, courting her would be much simpler. Though regretful, the innate spiritual vessel could only harbor the Original Witch’s consciousness for now. He’d have to seek another way in the future. Concealing his thoughts, Mu Zhian glanced toward a brightly lit room, hesitating momentarily. His visit to Dexinyuan aimed at comforting the Ye sisters, though upon reflection, Lingxuan might be too upset to welcome him with anything less than a barrage of reprimands. Even so, Mu Zhian proceeded to knock on Ye Lingxuan's door. No response. After almost half an incense stick's time, Mu Zhian felt a tinge of resignation. He was aware Lingxuan and Qian’er were inside, but they evidently didn’t wish to see him. This was somewhat anticipated. After all, with a Senior Sister storming in today, while Qian’er might be alright, Lingxuan’s displeasure was expected and understandable. Reassurance didn’t always require face-to-face interactions... Inside the illuminated room, Ye Qian leaned against the windowsill, watching the scenery and the boy leaving, melding into the darkness. "Elder Sister, Brother Mu has left," Ye Qian informed, glancing back at Ye Lingxuan seated by the bed. Upon hearing her sister’s words, Ye Lingxuan lifted her gaze slightly toward the window. "He’s gone, let him be," she replied plainly. Truthfully, she wasn’t angry at Brother Mu. It was Senior Sister Lan who made the bold move, and Brother Mu hadn’t even budged from start to finish... "Should we call Brother Mu back?" Ye Qian whispered. "Tomorrow you have a match; focus on preparing yourself..." Ye Lingxuan advised. "Brother Mu will be alright." "The Senior Sister’s sister seems to have reached the seventh rank in Spiritual Refinement. Although she lacks a special constitution, there’s an inexplicable aura of danger. Do not let your guard down." She reminded her sister. Ye Qian, disappointed at not seeing her beloved Brother Mu that night, nodded gently. But she knew the Immortal Ascension Tournament was more pressing, so she lightly agreed, "Understood..." "I’ll head back, Elder Sister." ### Chapter 382: It Turns Out, They Are the Main Characters Ye Lingxuan's delicate face broke into a soft smile upon hearing her sister. She nodded, "Go on." Yet, as Ye Qian turned, a shadow passed over Ye Lingxuan's face. If it were possible, she too would want to see Brother Mu tonight. However, even if he came, she wouldn't open the door for him, as she was still "angry" after all. Girls need to maintain their dignity. "Look, sister! There's a letter at the door!" Just then, Ye Qian, having left the room, picked up two bottles of pills along with a letter and turned to Ye Lingxuan with shining eyes full of surprise and joy. "It must be from Brother Mu. Do you want to have a look?" Ye Qian asked, her eyes twinkling. Ye Lingxuan's gaze briefly flickered, instinctively wanting to see what was written in the letter her sister held. However, noticing Ye Qian's shining eyes, she restrained herself. Maintaining her aloof demeanor, she said calmly, "Leave it there; I'll see it later when I have time." Ye Qian, observing her sister’s composed expression, placed the letter on the table, pressing it down with the pills Mu Zhian sent for Ye Lingxuan. She then glanced at the letter’s contents, a small smile curving her lips sweetly. Once Ye Qian left the room, Ye Lingxuan leisurely got up and reached for the letter on the table. "My dear Lingxuan, I know you’re still upset. Although I lost today, I will support you in the future. As the night grows colder, remember to dress warmly. In this jade bottle are some pills to regulate your aura. Take care of yourself..." The letter spanned roughly two to three hundred words, ending with Mu Zhian’s signature. Draped in a purple gown, elegant as a lady from a painting, Ye Lingxuan’s eyes sparkled with joy as she carefully folded the letter, embracing it tenderly. "Brother Mu..." She stored the letter in her storage ring and leaned against the desk, playfully swinging her feet wrapped in embroidered shoes, her eyes twinkling with happiness. --- Later that night, in a grand hall on the South Bank, Xiao Hua slowly opened his eyes. Recalling the day's events at the Glazed Hall and his sister's demeanor towards that cultivator, a nameless anger burned within him. The way Mu Zhian regarded Xiao Shuixian today was as if he had found his prey. In his past life, Xiao Hua was an unparalleled existence in another world, and now he had to watch his sister being gradually won over by Mu Zhian? Moreover, Mu Zhian seemed unsatisfied even with the Azure Emperor by his side—was he not afraid of angering her? The more Xiao Hua thought about it, the angrier he became. Yet, he had to endure and bear it silently for now. "I can’t confront Mu Zhian directly; with the Azure Emperor backing him, attacking him would only lead to my own suppression..." "However, if I can’t act directly, what about indirectly?" Despite his current power being a mere fraction of his past, the myriad immortal arts he once mastered remained etched in his mind. Subduing a Spirit Refining Realm cultivator? It should be a simple task. Though Mu Zhian had a protector, the Azure Emperor couldn't watch over him constantly. Thus, Xiao Hua devised a plan. In a past life, he mastered a secret art that, with adequate materials, could create a 'Nightmare.' This Nightmare could devour others’ dreams, inducing a state of perpetual slumber. But first, he needed to prepare pills to control the Nightmare... With this in mind, Xiao Hua stood to leave the hall, intending to prepare for pill refinement. "Where are you going this late?" A clear, melodious voice interrupted him. Turning, Xiao Hua saw Xiao Shuixian, her figure sculpted delicately beneath a gray robe, approaching from the hall’s end. "Sister..." He nearly blurted out, but quickly composed himself, suppressing the turmoil within him. "Why are you here, sister? Were you meeting His Majesty...?" "And you’re returning so late, sister?" "I merely met a friend and chatted for a bit," Xiao Shuixian replied blandly. A contrast to her gentleness towards Mu Zhian earlier today, her demeanor with her brother was decidedly colder, maintaining her composed image. Chatting? Had their bond been deeper, you might’ve stayed there overnight! If Xiao Shuixian had been truthful, it would be tolerable, but she seemed intent on hiding that she had actually seen Mu Zhian, and they had enjoyed a pleasant conversation... Feeling hidden knowledge burned in Xiao Hua, evoking a simmering, unnamed rage. "Mu Zhian isn’t to be trusted. I saw you at the Ascension Platform with him today. Don’t be deceived by his appearance!" Xiao Hua stated firmly. "You may be Yuzhou’s prodigy, but you might not fully understand human nature." His tone instinctively carried a note of guidance.