It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists
Chapter 550: I Bet Mu Lang Just Loves the Little Black Room

Loves the Little Black Room

Grant Mu Zhi’s wish…?

The Demon Empress’s first reaction to Mu Zhian’s words was disbelief, followed by an immediate refusal. “Absolutely not. That’s like handing your life over to her on a silver platter. You don’t understand Mu Zhi. The lords of the Forbidden Lands, after eons, have shed all human emotions.”

“There’s no telling what she might do.”

Mu Zhian smiled. “There might be many who want me dead, but it certainly won’t be a female cultivator, and especially not her.”

For a moment, the Demon Empress couldn’t refute him.

Indeed, Mu Zhian possessed a Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace. No female cultivator could resist its allure… especially not a Transcendence Realm one.

Not even Mu Zhi would do such a thing.

Actually, there was one more thing Mu Zhian didn’t mention.

Yuanluo had spoken about the connection between Mu Zhi and him… Although it was just speculation, if it were true, the Mu family might be behind Mu Zhi.

This was a perfect opportunity to bring the true Mu family to light.

“So even if I stop you, you’ll still insist on doing this?”

The Demon Empress sighed softly, her heart heavy with complex emotions.

If she wanted, she could take Mu Zhian back to the Demon Realm right now, without the Jade Empress and Gong Lianyue noticing, and then… dual cultivate with him in every position imaginable, every single day.

But after a moment of hesitation, she finally nodded in agreement. “Since you’ve made up your mind, remember this… If Mu Zhi tries to harm you, infuse your Spiritual Energy into the bronze mirror I gave you. Even if she takes you to the Forbidden Land of Life, I will save you.”

Mu Zhian smiled. “Thank you.”

“But I don’t think she’ll take me to the Forbidden Land of Life,” he added.

No one in this world would willingly offend a Transcendence Realm expert, let alone Mu Zhian, who now had more than one backing him.

Even the master of the Forbidden Land of Life wouldn’t do such a thing.

At least, not anytime soon.

Then where would Mu Zhi take him?

Mu Zhian wasn’t sure, but he had a backup plan, so he wasn’t worried.

The Demon Empress glanced at Mu Zhian, a flicker of resentment in her beautiful eyes.

She thought she would finally get to experience the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy after leaving the Forbidden Zone, but she had to watch as her man was taken into a (censored) lair.

What was Mu Zhi planning? Did she want the maids in the Forbidden Land of Life to be intimate with him and absorb his Spiritual Energy?

Or… did that seemingly pure and innocent little thing want the Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy for herself?

The Demon Empress glanced at Mu Zhian, waved her sleeve, and her figure silently transformed into a pink demonic mist, vanishing from sight as if she had never been there.

But just as she was leaving, she seemed to sense something and subconsciously glanced in a certain direction.

At the edge of the sky, she could faintly see a woman in a green dress watching quietly. Although she couldn’t see her clearly, the Demon Empress immediately recognized her identity.

The Demon Empress sneered inwardly, “I knew you wouldn’t leave so easily.”

Not just the Jade Empress, Gong Lianyue was probably also watching from somewhere.

These two women were truly troublesome…

A cold glint flashed through the Demon Empress’s crimson eyes, then a seductive smile appeared on her lips.

But so what if they were troublesome?

She always got what she wanted.

She had been restraining her charm technique simply to conquer Mu Zhian’s heart.

Otherwise, with her Transcendence Realm, naturally seductive physique, not only could she easily captivate any man, she could even turn him into a child clinging to her thigh, calling her “Sister Zixuan”.

But that would be less fun.

It would be like completing a raising sim game the moment it started… What would be the point?

However, if she really did that one day, she wondered if Shang Yanfei would be able to sit still?

Thinking of this, an amused smile appeared on the Demon Empress’s face.

The thought was rather exciting.

…

The forest at the outermost edge of the Forbidden Zone was called ‘Burning Heavens’. This name was given by the Eastern Continent cultivators, because this forest, formed by countless mountains, was home to many powerful demonic beasts.

Many of these demonic beasts were related to ‘fire’. Cultivators passing through this area would often see the sky ablaze.

That was the phenomenon caused by the demonic beasts’ cultivation.

At this moment, Mu Zhian stood at the edge of the Burning Heavens Forest, growing impatient.

“Could my guess be wrong? Am I actually not that important to them? Or is Mu Zhi wary of Yao Meng and the others, worried that they haven’t actually left, but are secretly protecting me? Is that why she hasn’t made a move?”

Mu Zhian couldn’t help but consider these possibilities.

Logically, only a wisp of Mu Zhi’s spiritual sense was present in the Forbidden Zone now. Even if it was destroyed, it wouldn’t be a big loss… She shouldn’t give up on this opportunity.

Just as Mu Zhian thought of this, he faintly heard a terrifying demonic beast’s roar from the depths of the forest.

The earth trembled, and a giant spider emerged from the forest, its massive body blocking out the sky.

Its enormous form made the mountains tremble with every step, and a powerful demonic aura emanated from it.

Mu Zhian’s expression changed, as if realizing something.

I can’t stay here any longer…

The demonic beasts in the Forbidden Zone, influenced by the rule power, had incredibly strong physical bodies. The reason no demonic beasts attacked him before was probably because the Demon Empress’s bloodline naturally suppressed all demonic beasts and cultivators.

I have to leave this place!

Just as Mu Zhian thought of this, the giant spider, which seemed far away just moments ago, suddenly appeared before him, its eyes blood red, as if controlled by some will, spitting a thick stream of spider silk towards Mu Zhian.

…

At this moment, Ye Lingxuan was still in the middle of her coronation ceremony.

The young woman, in a magnificent purple dress trailing on the ground, her hands holding up her skirt, stood before the Forbidden Zone Grand Elder and countless others, lowering her head slightly as she received the crown, the symbol of the Forbidden Zone Lord.

And the moment the crown was placed on her head, everything in the Forbidden Zone seemed to revive. A towering ancient tree, previously withered, rose from the ground, its green branches and leaves seemingly flowing with a sparkling green light.

The light gently shone down, as if dyeing the crown a beautiful emerald green…

“It’s finally over…”

After receiving the crown from the Grand Elder, Ye Lingxuan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

After this coronation ceremony, her father could peacefully enter seclusion and, with the Forbidden Zone’s rules now under her complete control, attempt to reach Transcendence.

And she… could finally enjoy the fruits of her labor.

Within the current Forbidden Zone, she was the embodiment of the rules. Whether it was the Jade Empress, the Demon Empress, or Gong Lianyue, none could take Mu Zhian from her.

Having inherited the position of Forbidden Zone Empress and controlling all the Forbidden Zone’s rules, even Transcendence Realm experts couldn’t gain any advantage against her.

It could be said that this was Ye Lingxuan’s greatest advantage since her birth!

“Brother Mu, did you see my coronation ceremony?”

The young woman’s lips curved into a faint smile as she turned to look below, trying to contact the young man via voice transmission.

But the moment she turned around, she froze.

Where’s Brother Mu…?

Ye Lingxuan was stunned, her spiritual sense instantly sweeping over the crowd below, but she couldn’t find Mu Zhian.

Ye Qian seemed to know what she was looking for, hesitating for a moment before transmitting her voice timidly, “Sister, Brother Mu just left the Forbidden Zone.”

Ye Lingxuan abruptly turned to Ye Qian, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, “How could that be… If Brother Mu wanted to leave, he would have told me.”

“He was worried about disrupting Sister’s coronation ceremony.”

Seeing the Forbidden Zone Empress’s disbelieving expression, Ye Qian softly added, “The Forbidden Zone rules Sister established just now teleported Brother Mu out.”

I sent Brother Mu out of the Forbidden Zone… ?

The young woman tilted her head slightly, her bright and beautiful eyes instantly darkening, a confused and disbelieving murmur escaping her lips, “…Eh?”

…

Boom!

A demonic beast roared, and the mountains crumbled in an instant.

It was a giant spider-like Forbidden Demonic Beast. Although Mu Zhian could protect himself, defeating a Soul Transformation Realm demonic beast like this was unrealistic.

Normally, such demonic beasts possessed some intelligence and wouldn’t continue pursuing after judging Mu Zhian’s strength.

However, this demonic beast seemed to be controlled by some will, relentlessly chasing after Mu Zhian like it had a death wish.

“It seems some Forbidden Land is behind this.”

As Mu Zhian flew out of the Burning Heavens Forest on the Measuring Ruler, sensing the demonic beast behind him once again, he instantly made his judgment.

Under normal circumstances, how could a Soul Transformation Realm demonic beast attack a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator? There was a risk of being killed. Judging from this demonic beast’s near-frenzied state, it was clearly being controlled.

However, Mu Zhian wasn’t worried at all.

He knew that the Demon Empress and Wei Mengrou should be nearby, just deliberately concealing their auras to avoid alerting the enemy.

Finally, the giant spider, its size like a mountain, leaped and blocked Mu Zhian’s path.

Its countless blood-red eyes stared intently at him. Although they were of the same realm, seeing this creature still made Mu Zhian feel a visceral disgust.

“This Mu Zhi, even if she wants to capture me, there’s no need to use such a disgusting monster…”

“If I get my hands on her, heh…”

Mu Zhian looked at the Eight-Extremities Demonic Spider blocking his path, a subtle smile appearing on his face.

He had silently recorded this grudge.

It was highly likely that Mu Zhi was behind this. At least, in Mu Zhian’s memory, among the Forbidden Zone Lords, the only one who could control such a demonic beast was Mu Zhi.

Weng!

Just as Mu Zhian was about to summon the Measuring Ruler, a light flashed in the darkness, and the Eight-Extremities Demonic Spider’s body exploded.

A figure appeared behind it, her small hand clenched into a fist. A deep, dark demonic intent surged from her like a dark tide, filling the entire forest.

“You don’t seem surprised to see me at all.” Mu Zhi tilted her head slightly, looking at the young man with amusement.

She had thought he would be shocked and disbelieving, perhaps even running back to the Forbidden Zone immediately.

She didn’t expect him to be so calm.

A gentle smile appeared on Mu Zhian’s face. “From the moment I was ‘expelled’ from the Forbidden Zone by Lingxuan’s rules, I knew you wouldn’t miss this opportunity.”

He discreetly observed the young girl before him. She seemed to be sitting in the void, wearing a purple knee-length dress, casually twirling a strand of hair between her fingers, her innocent eyes looking at him curiously.

“Aren’t you going to call for help? Perhaps the Jade Empress or the others haven’t left yet, they might even come and save you.”

Mu Zhian smiled, pointing at the barrier that had unknowingly appeared above them, “You’ve already set up a barrier and were waiting for me… I was chased here by the Eight-Extremities Demonic Spider, you must have been behind that, right?”

“Correct~”

Mu Zhi extended a small hand from her sleeve, the jade bracelet on her snow-white wrist glowing.

Then, under Mu Zhian’s astonished gaze, Mu Zhi’s body began to transform.

She became a woman with long, flowing black hair, her bangs partially obscuring her sharp, black and white eyes. Her beauty was as cold as frost and snow, a hint of mockery in her gaze.

She walked towards him with seductive steps, her ample bosom swaying alluringly, her slightly open collar revealing her delicate collarbone, a thin black strap on her right shoulder adding to her charm.

Her skirt reached only her thighs, outlining her long, voluptuous legs, her feet in high heels.

Her attire was a blend of classic and modern, her demeanor elegant, her aura mysterious.

“Transformation technique…?” Mu Zhian blurted out subconsciously, then corrected himself, “No, you have two forms?”

So he was right. Yuanluo’s ‘loli/milf switchable’ setting was probably copied from Mu Zhi.

At this moment, Mu Zhi truly looked like the supreme lord of the Forbidden Land of Life. Her long, cherry blossom-like hair fluttered in the wind, her dress outlining her captivating curves. She slightly raised her sexy and elegant face, looked down at Mu Zhian, and said with a smile, “Although I’d like to chat here, this place isn’t very safe. Let’s go somewhere else.”

“By the way, do you know what happens to those who fall into my hands?” A hint of threat colored her words.

“Nothing is more terrifying than death.” Mu Zhian gazed into her breathtakingly beautiful eyes, as captivating as gems, and said with a smile, “And you won’t kill me.”

Mu Zhi cupped the young man’s face, a charming smile gracing her lips, “Naturally. After all, a perfect Innate Celestial Furnace like you is a rare find. You’re even more perfect than that woman from before. I wouldn’t be so wasteful.”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered slightly, “Another Innate Celestial Furnace…? Are you referring to Luo Tan?”

“Luo Tan?” Mu Zhi seemed to recall the person Mu Zhian mentioned and chuckled, “Oh… you mean that little girl from Yu State?”

“Not her, but another very, very troublesome one. Her Innate Celestial Furnace is the most perfect I’ve ever seen. I thought I would never see such a perfect Innate Celestial Furnace again.”

“But I never expected Big Brother’s Innate Celestial Furnace to be even more perfect.”

As she spoke, she took out a black piece of paper.

Seemingly noticing Mu Zhian’s gaze, Mu Zhi held up the paper and said with a smile, “Anything written on this forbidden object will become reality. Big Brother, want to guess what I’m planning to write?”

As she spoke, Mu Zhi conjured a pen and, under Mu Zhian’s gaze, began to write down what would happen next.

Mu Zhian remained calm.

He knew that not only the Demon Empress, but Wei Mengrou was probably also nearby.

He had the advantage this time.

As Mu Zhian expected, although he couldn’t sense Wei Mengrou’s presence, the Demon Empress was indeed in the void not far away, watching everything.

Mu Zhi’s strength was unfathomable, but only a wisp of her spiritual sense was here now, naturally not as powerful as her true body.

“As he expected, Mu Zhi doesn’t intend to kill him,” the Demon Empress murmured softly.

“No woman would refuse a Transcendence Realm Innate Celestial Furnace and kill him directly… Unless they were crazy, but Mu Zhi clearly isn’t.”

Not far from the Demon Empress, another cold voice echoed.

Judging from the silver sword pattern faintly visible between her ample bosom, it wasn’t hard to discern the speaker’s identity.

Gong Lianyue.

Yes… The two Transcendence Realm experts had the same idea and even ran into each other while secretly observing Mu Zhian from the void.

The Demon Empress glanced at Gong Lianyue lazily with her seductive eyes, “He asked this Seat to secretly protect him, not you. This Seat is more than enough, you can scram back to your Sword Palace.”

The Demon Empress was used to being domineering, not showing any courtesy even to Gong Lianyue.

Gong Lianyue sneered in return, “My sword sheath is his first Dao Companion. I don’t know about your past life with him, but in this life, you’re neither his wife nor his Dao Companion… You’re the one who should scram.”

The Demon Empress raised a delicate eyebrow and said with a faint smile, “If it were this Seat, he wouldn’t have any other women around him. Since you can’t control your own man, let this Seat handle it.”

Just as Gong Lianyue was about to retort, a gentle and pleasant voice softly interrupted, “Your Majesty Demon Empress, now isn’t the time to fight amongst ourselves. If something happens to Mu Lang while you’re arguing, it would be troublesome.”

“Bai Ruoxi?”

The Demon Empress clearly noticed the two had switched spiritual senses. She sized Bai Ruoxi up and said, “Considering you’re a junior, scram back to the Sword Palace now, and I won’t hold it against you.”

This vixen was too possessive, wanting to eliminate all the fish around Mu Zhian one by one.

Bai Ruoxi said softly, “Ruoxi also wants to do that… But are you sure you can protect Mu Lang, Your Majesty? My Heart-Binding Lock can bind with Mu Lang. If he’s injured, part of the attack will be transferred to me. It would be safer if I were there.”

“I do like Mu Lang, but I can tolerate the other women around him, I won’t compete with you, so please rest assured.”

The Demon Empress frowned, “Are you implying I’m jealous and possessive?”

Bai Ruoxi hurriedly said, “Ruoxi wouldn’t dare, that’s not what I meant. I just hope Your Majesty will allow me to stay and ensure Mu Lang’s safety. As for your private matter with Palace Master, you can settle it later.”

The Demon Empress narrowed her eyes, seemingly amused by her anger, “Such a sharp tongue, little girl!”

First subtly mocking her jealousy and pettiness, then her lack of consideration for the bigger picture… And she couldn’t even retort.

Compared to Gong Lianyue, this spiritual sense within her was much more difficult to deal with…

The Demon Empress didn’t say anything more, her attention shifting back to Mu Zhian.

If she really clashed with Bai Ruoxi and caused Mu Zhian to be in danger, it wouldn’t be worth it.

Just then, the Demon Empress’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if noticing something. She looked towards the depths of the Forbidden Zone with a playful glint in her eyes and said with a smile, “I think I sense her.”

Bai Ruoxi was stunned. She looked up and, seeing the terrifying aura emanating from the depths of the Forbidden Zone, as if filled with endless rule power, couldn’t help but purse her lips.

Then, she looked at Mu Zhian with worry.

What will Mu Lang do later?

Sister Lingxuan seems angry…