It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists
Chapter 533: She’s Just Too Good

“That’s strange, no one has approached this bedchamber tonight?”

Ye Qingxin’s spiritual sense silently enveloped the quiet courtyard, instantly detecting Mu Zhian’s aura.

However, for some reason, she didn’t see anyone in the bedchamber… This was quite odd.

Despite her doubts, the Ye Clan ancestor didn’t pause. She gracefully walked towards the courtyard in her exquisite embroidered shoes, intending to pass through the front hall and go deeper inside.

Just then, a woman silently appeared from the shadows ahead, blocking Ye Qingxin’s path.

The woman’s expression was indifferent, her clear and bright eyes exceptionally serene in the darkness, staring quietly at Ye Qingxin.

“The young lady has given orders that no one is to approach him tonight.”

Ye Qingxin stopped, the firelight around her dazzling and alluring in the darkness. The vermilion dot on her forehead accentuated her bewitching, almost demonic beauty.

After sizing up the woman before her, a playful smile appeared on Ye Qingxin’s lips, “Reincarnated Empress? Did Lingxuan ask you to stay here and protect him? But even I can’t enter, isn’t that a bit much?”

The Reincarnated Empress said faintly, “Neither the Jade Empress nor the Sword Palace Master disturbed him tonight. It wouldn’t be appropriate for Fellow Daoist Ye to enter, especially since his mental energy is greatly depleted and he needs to rest.”

Even someone with the Jade Empress’s personality could leave Mu Zhian alone to rest…

Even Ye Qingxin was somewhat surprised. She pondered for a moment, “Then why don’t you come in with me? I just want to check if he’s resting peacefully.”

After the Soul Transformation Tribulation, Mu Zhian’s mental and spiritual energies would indeed be greatly depleted. Thinking about it calmly now, it was better for him to rest… However, seeing him in person would be more reassuring.

The Reincarnated Empress gently shook her head, “The young lady asked me to guard outside, so it’s not appropriate for me to enter.”

Even Ye Qingxin was somewhat speechless upon hearing this.

No wonder that girl was so at ease leaving the Reincarnated Empress to guard the bedchamber. Among the women around Mu Zhian, the Reincarnated Empress was probably the only one who had no intention of stealing a bite of the ‘cake’.

After all, this woman prioritized her Master’s orders above all else.

The Reincarnated Empress would meticulously carry out any task Ye Lingxuan assigned.

“As expected of the Forbidden Zone’s forbidden object, truly reliable,” Ye Qingxin sighed softly.

The Eastern Continent’s ‘Number Two’ forbidden object, the Nirvana Heart, was currently within the Reincarnated Empress.

Or rather, within her body.

No one in this world could kill her. Even after death, the Reincarnated Empress could be reborn from the ashes in a short time, and each death would make the owner of this forbidden object stronger, up to nine times.

However, this forbidden object had one requirement: the holder mustn’t intentionally seek death.

By now, the Nirvana Heart wasn’t of much use to the Reincarnated Empress, as it was very difficult for a Dao Integration Realm expert like her to die.

In a sense, the Reincarnated Empress herself was both the former master of the Forbidden Zone and its forbidden object.

The Reincarnated Empress pondered for a moment, then continued, “Actually, it’s also not appropriate for you to see him tonight. It would cause gossip, even make people think there’s something between you and Mu Zhian.”

Ye Qingxin looked at the woman in surprise, then chuckled softly, “It seems you’re not so inflexible after all, quite thoughtful.”

News of Mu Zhian’s Soul Transformation tonight had spread throughout the Forbidden Zone. Although he was currently in the bedchamber, countless eyes were watching.

Ye Qingxin represented the Ye Clan, after all. Although she also wanted to… partake tonight… if she did, Qian’er and Lingxuan would probably find out immediately.

She would have no face to see them then.

The Reincarnated Empress said calmly, “It’s not that I don’t understand human relationships, I just don’t want to think about them too much.”

She indeed had the right to say this. After all, with the Reincarnated Empress’s strength, there was no need for her to consider human relationships.

Ye Qingxin smiled, “Since you’ve said so, I’ll visit Young Friend Mu another day.”

The Reincarnated Empress nodded slightly, watched as Ye Qingxin turned into a streak of fire and quietly vanished from sight, then prepared to return to the shadows.

However, just then, she saw a woman walking towards her along the small, moonlit lake.

Evergreen pine and cypress trees lined both sides of the lake, and colorful flowers bloomed in the flowerbeds.

Princess Yongning, dressed in a magnificent gown, walked through the front hall. Her hair, seemingly styled with care, was adorned with a valuable golden hair ornament. Under the night sky, the golden tassels swayed gently, making even the flowers in the flowerbeds pale in comparison.

She was truly an extraordinary woman. Normally, ordinary cultivators would feel some pressure before a Dao Integration Realm expert, but this eldest princess didn’t show the slightest bit of nervousness. She simply bowed slightly and said respectfully, “Greetings, Senior.”

The Reincarnated Empress glanced at her, “You are Princess Yongning of the Great Qian Dynasty, right? What brings you here?”

The eldest princess replied politely, “Thanks to Young Master Mu’s assistance these past few days, I’ve been hoping to thank him in person. However, it wasn’t convenient to disturb him while he was undergoing his tribulation… This junior will be returning to the palace tomorrow, so I wanted to bid Young Master Mu farewell.”

The Reincarnated Empress pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly, “You can go in, but don’t disturb him for too long. He’s mentally exhausted from his tribulation today and is probably meditating.”

“If Young Master Mu is meditating, this junior won’t disturb him. Please rest assured, Senior.”

Princess Yongning bowed slightly, lifting her skirt, then gracefully walked towards the rear hall.

Nearly fifteen minutes later, she arrived at a small courtyard in the rear hall.

A small house stood not far ahead, candlelight flickering through the paper windows, faintly revealing the figure of a young man sitting by the window.

Didn’t they say he was meditating and resting…?

A strange glint flickered in the eldest princess’s eyes as she approached gracefully.

Just then, the young man’s gentle and calm voice came from inside, “Princess Yongning, why are you here?”

Princess Yongning’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. She didn’t expect to be noticed from such a distance.

Princess Yongning collected her thoughts and said, “I’m returning to the palace tomorrow, so I came to bid Young Master Mu farewell, even though it’s late.”

Come to think of it, it was almost time for Princess Yongning to return.

Mu Zhian casually glanced at the woman hiding under the table, then said, “Let me know before you depart tomorrow, Princess. I’ll have someone escort you.”

Princess Yongning gently shook her head and said softly, “Young Master Mu just finished your tribulation and must be mentally exhausted. I wouldn’t want to trouble you further.”

“So, Your Highness plans to return to the capital just like that? Have you forgotten the purpose of your trip?” Mu Zhian asked with a smile, gently caressing the Heavenly Dao’s will’s flawless, jade-like face.

The woman raised her cold, emotionless eyes and stared intently at Mu Zhian. Although her expression remained indifferent, a faint blush colored her flawless face, a stark contrast.

Probably no one would have imagined that the will of the Nine Provinces’ Heavenly Dao would be under a table, pleasing a certain cultivator.

Oh, no, not pleasing, just maintaining the order of the Nine Provinces’ rules…

Then, Mu Zhian continued, “The old emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty cherishes his life above all else. After Gu Buxing’s death, he’s been depressed, I even heard he’s grown a lot of white hair overnight?”

Princess Yongning was somewhat surprised, “Even Young Master Mu knows about this?”

Mu Zhian smiled, took out a brightly colored flower from his storage ring, opened the window, and saw the eldest princess outside.

Her elegant, oval face, carefully applied makeup, and pale golden eyes, elegant yet calm, a touch of crimson at the corners, were captivating.

Her lips were rosy and full.

“Consider this a farewell gift. I hope Your Highness likes it,” Mu Zhian handed her the flower through the window.

“The Everlasting Flower?” Princess Yongning asked in surprise, her gaze fixed on the brightly colored flower.

The Everlasting Flower was a sixth-grade heavenly material and earthly treasure, but its growing conditions were very specific. It only grew in the Forbidden Zone, and even the Forbidden Zone clan members might not have one.

With it, this mission could be considered a success, if not a complete one, then at least a satisfactory one.

After all, no one actually expected Princess Yongning to find the ‘elixir of immortality’ in the Forbidden Zone. Whether she could even return safely was a question.

However, not only did Princess Yongning return to the Great Qian Dynasty, but she was even treated as a guest by the Forbidden Zone and left with an ‘elixir of immortality’… If this series of events were to spread, this eldest princess could gain considerable support within the court.

“Young Master Mu, I can’t accept this.”

Princess Yongning quickly reacted and handed the flower back to Mu Zhian, “I already owe you a favor. If it weren’t for you, it’s uncertain whether we could even leave the Forbidden Zone.”

“So, this…”

Before she could finish, Mu Zhian smiled and said, “Your Highness, have you forgotten that you took me in that day in the Forbidden Zone, when I had nowhere to camp? This is just to repay Your Highness’s kindness, there’s no need to refuse.”

Yongning silently gazed at the young man. She and Mu Zhian had only met a few times. At most, she tried to recruit him back in the Two Polarities Sect, but that was all.

As for taking him in at their campsite that day… with Mu Zhian’s strength, he could have easily found another place to camp, he didn’t need their help at all.

Such a small act of kindness, yet she received a much greater reward in return.

After a moment of silence, Princess Yongning smiled and said, “Then thank you, Young Master Mu~”

She truly needed this Everlasting Flower.

“Young Master Mu, you just finished your tribulation, aren’t you planning to rest so late at night?” The eldest princess suddenly asked, looking at the young man with hidden curiosity.

For some reason, she felt that Mu Zhian seemed different tonight… He looked somewhat distracted, his spirit noticeably weaker than usual.

“I was about to meditate, but I sensed your aura, so I decided to wait for you,” Mu Zhian said with a warm smile.

“I apologize. I only planned to check on Young Master Mu and leave immediately if I saw you meditating,” Yongning said apologetically.

She was genuinely apologetic, thinking her arrival had disturbed Mu Zhian’s meditation, her eyes filled with remorse.

Mu Zhian naturally noticed this.

He maintained a calm expression, but inwardly found it quite amusing.

In his impression, this eldest princess was the epitome of dignified elegance, mature and composed, yet she could also feel guilty.

“It’s just meditating a bit later, it’s no big deal.”

Mu Zhian changed the subject and said with a smile, “Besides, chatting with Your Highness tonight makes me very happy. See? My spirits are much better now.”

Princess Yongning was stunned. Sensing the young man’s gentle gaze, and the subtle charm emanating from him, the eldest princess felt her heart race and her face flush.

She secretly observed this young man, finding him like a refined and elegant noble, an inexplicable charm drawing her in.

Suddenly, she noticed the young man’s body tense slightly, his expression somewhat off, his gaze drifting strangely towards the table beneath them.

This made Princess Yongning pause slightly, then her beautiful eyes flickered with a sharp intelligence.

This Heavenly Dao’s will is a bit clueless…

Mu Zhian also realized his ‘lapse’ and said with a smile, maintaining his composure, “Your Highness, I just finished my tribulation and am preparing to meditate, so…”

His implication was clear.

However, Princess Yongning didn’t leave immediately. Instead, she took half a step closer, approaching the window, then lifted her skirt and her head, her red lips almost touching Mu Zhian’s, her soft and sweet breath close at hand.

“I won’t tell anyone, Young Master Mu,” Princess Yongning whispered, bringing her rosy lips closer, a smile playing on her lips, “Let’s just keep this our little secret~”

…

Princess Yongning left, but her parting words clearly indicated that she had discovered something.

“It seems that Princess Yongning isn’t as ‘reserved’ as she appears… At least, her actions tonight are quite intriguing,” Mu Zhian murmured, still savoring the Princess’s words. The usually dignified and elegant Princess Yongning, her actions earlier… even someone clueless about romance could sense the intimacy.

“Forget it, I’ll ask her in person after I go to the Great Qian Dynasty,” Mu Zhian quickly shook his head, dismissing his thoughts.

Compared to Princess Yongning, there were more important matters to attend to.

“Were you doing that on purpose just now?” Mu Zhian looked at the goddess crawling out from under the table.

“Not exactly on purpose, I just sensed Master’s excitement, so I tried my best to please you,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly, gazing at Mu Zhian, “I could sense that your mental state was indeed quite excited.”

Mu Zhian corrected her, “That’s because I was worried about being discovered.”

“But the thought of being discovered made you excited, right?”

Hearing the Heavenly Dao’s will’s words, Mu Zhian was about to deny it, but he noticed her staring at him, her gaze traveling from his face down his chest, then lower…

“It seems my analysis was correct. Although Master has undergone four Heavenly Tribulations, you’re still full of energy,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly.

Mu Zhian coughed lightly and changed the subject, “By the way, I heard from Sister Lingxuan that although I’ve reached Soul Transformation, I haven’t comprehended the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human, nor the Great Dao… Do you know of any way for me to officially enter Soul Transformation Realm?”

Mu Zhian’s current state was strange. He was between Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation. Although he had reached the Soul Transformation Realm, he hadn’t comprehended any Dao Rhyme.

The Heavenly Dao’s will, as the Nine Provinces’ ‘encyclopedia’, might have the answer.

“Master has no reverence for the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human, nor the Great Dao, so it’s difficult for you to comprehend their Dao Rhyme,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said calmly. “When Master develops reverence for them and comprehends them wholeheartedly, you will naturally reach Soul Transformation.”

“Is there no other way?” Mu Zhian frowned and asked.

“There is,” the Heavenly Dao’s will nodded slightly, “For example, you can also establish yourself as a Dao, creating your own Dao Rhyme.”

“Create a Dao Rhyme? Wouldn’t that violate the rules of heaven and earth?” Mu Zhian was stunned.

“The rules of heaven and earth don’t forbid creating your own Dao Rhyme, at least not the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human,” the Heavenly Dao’s will replied.

“Master, you are a complete scumbag, juggling multiple women, constantly on the edge of being locked up in the little black room, so you can consider creating the Scumbag Dao related to this (laughs).”

A mocking smile appeared on the woman’s face.

Mu Zhian looked thoughtful, then, sensing something was off, he stared at the Heavenly Dao’s will suspiciously, “Speaking of which, this is the first time I’ve seen you so emotional… Could it be that you’re jealous seeing me talking to Princess Yongning earlier?”

“If I were to analyze it from a woman’s perspective, I was indeed jealous just now,” the Heavenly Dao’s will said faintly.

“Although I’m not your Dao Companion, I don’t want you to flirt with other women. It makes me feel unbalanced, even questioning my own charm.”

“So your actions just now, while I was chatting with Princess Yongning, were to get back at me…?”

“Yes,” the Heavenly Dao’s will nodded.

Mu Zhian raised an eyebrow, “Have you considered the consequences if Yongning discovers you were the one in the room and spreads the word?”

The Heavenly Dao’s will knelt beside Mu Zhian, lowered her head, and said, “I’m sorry, please punish me, Master.”

She’s just too good…

Mu Zhian took her hand, helped her up, then wrapped his arm around her slender waist, led her to the soft couch, sat down, and looked at her, “I can’t let you off so easily next time.”

“Yes, Master.”

The emotionless Heavenly Dao’s will leaned her head against the young man’s thigh like a docile kitten, a faint, human-like smile appearing on her cold face.

She naturally knew there was a risk of being discovered by Princess Yongning earlier, but so what?

It was a necessary sacrifice to maintain the order of the rules of heaven and earth.

After all, Master’s Innate Celestial Furnace Spiritual Energy would continuously recover, so she needed to keep purifying it.

Of course, perhaps the Jade Empress, the Sword Palace Master, and even the Forbidden Zone imperial daughter would also have designs on Master afterward… But it didn’t matter.

No one knew that the Heavenly Dao’s will hadn’t left after descending during the Heavenly Tribulation, but had stayed by Mu Zhian’s side.

She could follow Master anytime, anywhere, and then… purify his Spiritual Energy.

Just like tonight.

Mu Zhian suddenly recalled something and said, “Before you purify my Spiritual Energy, can you do me a favor?”

The Heavenly Dao’s will looked up at Mu Zhian reluctantly, “As long as it doesn’t violate the rules of heaven and earth, I will fulfill any of your wishes.”

Mu Zhian said gently, “I want you to retrieve some information for me.”

Heavenly Dao’s will: “That’s no problem, what information does Master want?”

Mu Zhian caressed the Heavenly Dao’s will’s delicate face, casually wiping the corner of her mouth, and said with a smile:

“The master of the Forbidden Land of Life, Mu Zhi.”