It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists
Chapter 517: One Encounter with the Jade Empress, A Lifetime of Mistakes p1

That night, Ye Lingxuan brought Mu Zhian to her bedchamber.

She sat at the table, facing the young man.

“Brother Mu, don’t you have anything to explain?” the young woman asked with a flat expression.

Mu Zhian paused, then said, “The one I gave Princess Yongning at first was indeed an Aurora Crystal. It was later switched with a Curse Stone by someone else among them.”

“That’s not what I’m asking!”

Ye Lingxuan glared at him, her voice softening slightly, “Didn’t you promise to come back to the Forbidden Zone with me? Why did you take so long?”

“I went to Cloud Province to prepare some heavenly materials and earthly treasures for Soul Transformation.”

Mu Zhian gestured towards the black chains on his hands, “Can you take these off first?”

Ye Lingxuan hummed softly in agreement. This was one of the Forbidden Zone’s secret techniques. As the Forbidden Zone Holy Maiden, she naturally had a way to remove them.

However, just as she was about to do so, she paused, her eyes flickering as she stared at Mu Zhian.

“…What’s wrong?”

Uncomfortable under the young woman’s gaze, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but ask.

The young woman sat on the table behind him, golden chains swirling around her, only her slender and elegant figure visible, and those eyes that seemed to hold a hint of amusement, “Nothing. Brother Mu, explain what you were doing in Cloud Province first, then I’ll take them off. It’s not like they’re hindering you.”

Mu Zhian thought for a moment, seemingly understanding something, and hesitated, “Did you spy on me?”

Ye Lingxuan was stunned, seemingly not expecting Mu Zhian to be so perceptive, “Did that cheating hussy tell you?”

Cheating?

“It has nothing to do with the Princess…” A look of suspicion appeared in Mu Zhian’s eyes, “You did use the Desolate Time Lock to spy on me, didn’t you?”

Ye Lingxuan remained calm and composed, stubbornly denying it, “No, it was just a simple guess. Didn’t Brother Mu go to Yu State for the Innate Celestial Furnace… The Pill Emperor of Yu State and the Princess of Cloud Province are close friends. I thought if she saw you, she definitely wouldn’t let you off easily.”

“Compared to that, what is Brother Mu doing in the Forbidden Zone? You haven’t reached Soul Transformation yet, have you?”

Seemingly worried that Mu Zhian would continue questioning her, Ye Lingxuan quickly changed the subject.

Mu Zhian glanced at the young woman discreetly, knowing she was deliberately changing the subject, but didn’t expose her, “Have you heard of the Flower of the Great Dao?”

Ye Lingxuan’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she asked doubtfully, “What’s that?”

She hadn’t inherited the Reincarnated Empress’s memories yet, so naturally she didn’t know what the Flower of the Great Dao was.

Even within the Forbidden Zone, very few people knew about this Immortal Medicine.

Mu Zhian thought for a moment and asked, “Is Dad free recently? I want to see him.”

Ye Lingxuan couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Mu Zhian.

If the Forbidden Zone Lord heard Mu Zhian address him like that, he would probably feel quite strange.

“My father has been in seclusion for over a month. Even the inheritance ceremony was presided over by my mother. But according to her, he’ll be out within half a month,” Ye Lingxuan said.

Mu Zhian made a thoughtful “hmm” sound, then, as if recalling something, he asked, “Did your father enter seclusion right after you and Sister Ye returned?”

Ye Lingxuan looked at Mu Zhian in surprise, “How did Brother Mu know?”

“…As expected.”

Hearing Ye Lingxuan’s answer, an amused smile appeared on Mu Zhian’s face, and he murmured thoughtfully to himself.

He knew there was some conflict between the Forbidden Zone and the Ye Clan in the past. The Forbidden Zone Lord’s seclusion this time was probably because he hadn’t figured out how to face that beautiful ancestor of the Ye Clan.

Even if Ye Qingxin didn’t mind the Forbidden Zone separating from the Ye Clan later, the Forbidden Zone Lord would still feel awkward.

“Compared to that, why did Brother Mu come to the Forbidden Zone before reaching Soul Transformation? Are you in trouble?” Ye Lingxuan asked curiously.

According to their previous plan, Mu Zhian should have waited until he successfully passed the Soul Transformation Heavenly Tribulation in Yu State before leaving. His appearance in the Forbidden Zone now was truly strange.

Mu Zhian smiled, reached out, and gently rubbed Ye Lingxuan’s head, whispering, “Can’t I come just because I want to see you?”

Ye Lingxuan’s eyes lit up with joy, and she shyly lowered her head.

After chatting in the room for a while, a smile gradually appeared on Ye Lingxuan’s pure and pretty face.

“By the way, I might be staying in the Forbidden Zone for a few days. I want to see your father after he comes out of seclusion…”

Ye Lingxuan hummed softly in agreement, “I understand. I’ll make the arrangements for Brother Mu after my father comes out. Can you remove the Southern Wilderness secret technique first? I can’t see your face.”

Although his hands were bound by the black shackles of the Forbidden Zone, removing the Southern Wilderness secret technique was still easy for the current Mu Zhian.

As the black mist dispersed, Ye Lingxuan’s gaze immediately fixed on Mu Zhian.

His features were as refined as jade, his aura carrying an inexplicable ‘charm’.

To a young woman of this age experiencing her first stirrings of love, Mu Zhian’s appearance perfectly matched all her fantasies, his mannerisms exuding the air of a noble young master, elegant and refined.

As the Forbidden Zone’s imperial daughter, Ye Lingxuan had seen countless talented young men in the past, but she had never cared about any of them.

Perhaps there were those who could compare to Mu Zhian in terms of looks, but their temperament was far inferior.

Even though Mu Zhian hadn’t even spoken yet, Ye Lingxuan’s gaze was fixated on his fair and delicate face, as if captivated.

Mu Zhian naturally noticed Ye Lingxuan’s gaze and couldn’t help but find it amusing.

From the moment he entered the bedchamber with Ye Lingxuan, his gaze had involuntarily drifted towards her, because Ye Lingxuan’s attire today was somewhat different from the past.

Tonight, Ye Lingxuan wore a meticulously tailored, magnificent purple dress that accentuated her graceful figure. And beneath her skirt, she wore a pair of light purple boots, the space between the boots and the skirt revealing her fair and slender legs.

Mu Zhian had seen this kind of attire many times, but Ye Lingxuan’s near-perfect figure seemed to give her a unique elegance and nobility that other girls lacked.

Her long, black hair cascaded down to her slender waist, making her appear even more pure and lovely under the candlelight.

At this moment, the elegant young woman gazed at the young man with clear and bright eyes, seemingly filled with affection.

Well, after all, she and Mu Zhian hadn’t seen each other for a while, and the young woman had been busy with the inheritance ceremony, which must have been quite stressful.

Thinking of this, Mu Zhian couldn’t help but reach out and gently stroke the young woman’s hair, “You’ve worked hard with the inheritance ceremony recently.”

Ye Lingxuan gently shook her head: “This is something I have to face sooner or later, it’s not hard work.”

“Compared to that, Brother Mu has worked harder. After all, in a place like Yu State, unfamiliar with the people and the land… you must have encountered many difficulties, right?” Ye Lingxuan looked at him with a smile.

Why does that sound sarcastic…?

Mu Zhian smiled casually, “I did encounter some minor troubles, but Her Majesty the Pill Emperor treated me quite well and protected me.”

Protected?

It’s probably more than just protection, right?

Hearing Mu Zhian’s words, the young woman maintained an innocent expression on the surface, but she couldn’t help but recall the scenes she saw through the Desolate Time Lock a few days ago.

Not only the Pill Emperor, but even the Great Peng Emperor’s wife seemed to have some involvement with Brother Mu…

“It’s late, I won’t disturb your rest. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

After spending some intimate time chatting with Ye Lingxuan in the room, Mu Zhian stood up, intending to leave.

However, just then, he suddenly heard the sound of chains colliding.

The Desolate Time Lock?!

Mu Zhian reacted almost instantly, abruptly turning his head to look, only to see the Desolate Time Lock had already appeared before him like a blur.

The golden lock tilted its head, as if saying: Finally, something to do?

“Sister Lingxuan, is there anything else? Why did you summon the Desolate Time Lock?”

Sensing the change in atmosphere, Mu Zhian maintained a calm expression, but his heart was racing.

Seeing Mu Zhian’s seemingly puzzled look, Ye Lingxuan smiled charmingly and said softly, “Brother Mu, just go and rest, and take care of your own matters. Lingxuan will always silently protect you… Did you think I would say that, Brother Mu?”

The corner of the Forbidden Zone imperial daughter’s mouth curved upwards, a mischievous, almost devilish smile replacing her previous innocent look. She stepped closer to Mu Zhian. He subconsciously took half a step back, his heel hitting the door behind him.

Ye Lingxuan’s body pressed him against the door.

She gently caressed Mu Zhian’s face, a playful glint in her beautiful, light purple eyes, and whispered, “I brought Brother Mu away in front of so many people tonight. If I just let Brother Mu leave without any interrogation, the people of the Forbidden Zone would think I’m abusing my power, ignoring the rules, right? It wouldn’t be very convincing.”

These words were clearly just an excuse. With Ye Lingxuan’s status in the Forbidden Zone, everyone believed she wouldn’t lie about such a small matter.

Besides, the Forbidden Zone had its methods. If they wanted to know if someone was lying, they would find a way.

Ye Lingxuan’s fingertips gently traced Mu Zhian’s face, the cool touch of her slender fingers sending shivers down his spine.

She whispered, “Right, let me give Brother Mu a hint.”

“Jade Empress Sister is already in the Forbidden Zone.”

Mu Zhian asked in surprise, “Yao Meng? Why is she in the Forbidden Zone?”

He hadn’t revealed his whereabouts… Could it be that Yao Meng sensed the mark on the Green Lotus Ring?

“She came to see Qian’er.”

Ye Lingxuan didn’t explain further, just caressed the young man’s face, her beautiful purple eyes seemingly filled with alluring charm.

“So—”

She stood on tiptoes, her rosy, alluring lips close to Mu Zhian’s ear, and whispered in the cool tone she usually used to command her subordinates, “Brother Mu, you wouldn’t want Jade Empress Sister to find out you’re being bullied, would you?”

Where did you learn that NTR-exclusive line…? Mu Zhian was stunned.

The next moment, the golden light of the Desolate Time Lock enveloped the entire bedchamber.

Time froze.

Ye Lingxuan led Mu Zhian to the soft couch, then sat down with her legs crossed, her delicate jade feet encased in pure white silk stockings, swinging her boots as she secretly observed the young man.

Mu Zhian had to admit, this young girl was becoming even more breathtakingly beautiful, her figure gradually maturing, yet still retaining a youthful innocence.

Her fair and slender calves were visible between her boots and skirt, their skin appearing like ice crystal under the candlelight.

“What’s wrong, Brother Mu?” Ye Lingxuan tilted her head and asked, feigning confusion.

Mu Zhian retracted his gaze: “Nothing.”

Sensing the young man’s gaze, a playful smile tugged at the corners of Ye Lingxuan’s lips.

Thanks to The Art of Managing Your Husband, she already knew Brother Mu’s XP.

Noticing the young girl’s playful gaze, Mu Zhian coughed lightly and said, “Speaking of which, just as you said earlier, I’m a prisoner, right? Is it really okay for you to openly take me out of prison like this?”

Ye Lingxuan pouted and said faintly, “Brother Mu couldn’t possibly be a criminal.”

“If you wanted to cause chaos in the Eastern Continent, joining the Demon Realm would be much easier than secretly giving someone a Curse Stone,” she said with a smile.

A Nascent Soul peak cultivator joining the Demon Realm wasn’t a big deal.

But Mu Zhian was different… Even ignoring his strength and Innate Celestial Furnace constitution, just his existence joining the Demon Realm would be enough to give the entire Eastern Continent a headache.

“And I couldn’t possibly leave Brother Mu to suffer in prison,” Ye Lingxuan added.

“Actually, I don’t really mind. Being in prison allows me to focus on cultivation, it’s quite nice,” Mu Zhian shrugged.

Ye Lingxuan glanced at the young man, “Isn’t it because Princess Yongning is in prison and can chat with you?”

Mu Zhian shook his head, “I’ve only met Princess Yongning a few times, we’re not close.”

“That’s only now, who knows about the future.”

Ye Lingxuan sighed softly, “But to rescue Brother Mu tonight, I had to endure a lot of pressure.”

If she hadn’t personally witnessed the Forbidden Army release Mu Zhian without a word, Mu Zhian might have actually believed her.

Ye Lingxuan continued, “So Brother Mu, you have to compensate me.”

“What kind of compensation do you want?” Mu Zhian asked.

Ye Lingxuan gracefully jumped down from the table, her hands behind her back, and walked to Mu Zhian’s front. Her pleasant voice, laced with charm, echoed through the bedchamber, “How about Brother Mu pleases Lingxuan until I’m satisfied~?”

…

Ye Qian, as usual, was meditating and cultivating in her room.

The people in the Forbidden Zone clearly knew her relationship with Ye Lingxuan, so they took good care of this young girl, sending her many pills during her cultivation.

After circulating her Spiritual Energy for a full cycle, Ye Qian opened her eyes, looked at the fairy in the green dress sitting on the bed in surprise, and said, “Master, why are you here?”

“I was bored at the Jade Pool Holy Land, so I came out for a change of scenery, and also to see how your cultivation is progressing.”

Yao Meng looked at her disciple with a smile.

Ye Qian thought for a moment, then asked doubtfully, “Did something happen to Brother Mu? But isn’t he in Yu State? Did Master go to Yu State and see Brother Mu with another woman… and feel upset?”

Seemingly noticing Yao Meng’s complex expression, Ye Qian immediately comforted her, “But Master, there’s no need to overthink it. You only sent Brother Mu to Yu State so he could learn to protect himself… It’s really not a big deal.”

I didn’t expect to be comforted by my disciple one day…

Yao Meng couldn’t help but smile, “I didn’t come to see you because of your Brother Mu. I’m planning to take you back to the Jade Pool Holy Land after your sister’s inheritance ceremony and let you receive the inheritance of the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree.”

Ye Qian was stunned: “But I’m not a Jade Pool disciple, wouldn’t that be against the rules…?”

She knew the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree was a symbol of the Jade Pool Holy Land. Almost every Jade Pool disciple would receive its inheritance… And how much they could obtain depended on their own talent.

“You are my disciple, after all, considered a member of the Jade Pool Holy Land, so there’s no need to worry.”

Just then, a deafening thunderclap suddenly came from the north of the Forbidden Zone. That place was far from the Forbidden Zone, but Yao Meng still sensed it immediately.

It was a Pill Tribulation.

“Has Luo Tan started refining the Nine Cauldrons Nascent Soul Pill?” Yao Meng murmured softly.

“The pill Brother Mu needs?” Ye Qian asked.

Yao Meng nodded with a smile, gently stroking Ye Qian’s head, her voice soft, “Focus on your cultivation first. If you have any questions, you can always ask me.”

“Is Master planning to go somewhere?”

A faint smile appeared in Yao Meng’s green eyes as she looked in a certain direction within the Forbidden Zone and said softly, “Mmm… Going out for a stroll.”

…