It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists
Chapter 560: You Unfaithful Scoundrel!

Yan Ruyu instinctively wanted to resist Mu Zhian’s unfaithful, sudden advance and push him away.

But as his words registered, her eyes widened in surprise.

She quickly came back to her senses, looked at his handsome face, frowned, and scolded, “I don’t have any troubles. You, however, do you know what you’re doing?”

“What if Senior Spirit Dragon comes out and sees this…?”

Her tone was that of an elder admonishing a junior, but her expression betrayed no displeasure, only concern for her disciple.

Mu Zhian held her soft waist, looked at the beautiful and intelligent woman, and said gently, “Are you only worried about Senior Spirit Dragon seeing us, Pavilion Master? So you don’t actually… dislike this…?”

Feeling the warmth of the young man’s chest against her, and realizing she was being held tightly in his embrace, Yan Ruyu’s eyes glazed over for a moment.

She quickly snapped out of it, a blush coloring her fair cheeks, and turned her face away, scoffing, “I shouldn’t have taken you as an inner disciple of the Book Pavilion. Now that you’ve reached Soul Transformation, not only are you ungrateful, but you’ve even developed these wicked thoughts.”

“Pavilion Master is just one step away from Soul Transformation. I’m only doing this to help you,” Mu Zhian said with a chuckle.

“You should be able to feel the Spiritual Energy of the Innate Celestial Furnace now, right?”

Yan Ruyu was stunned, then quickly understood what he meant by “Innate Celestial Furnace Spiritual Energy” after seeing his gaze.

“I… I don’t feel anything.”

Trying to maintain her usual composed and aloof demeanor before her disciples, she said calmly, “I won’t tell anyone about today’s events, and you shouldn’t continue down this path…”

Mu Zhian silently gazed at the woman, his arm still firmly around her waist.

He couldn’t help but think of Gong Lianyue, finding Yan Ruyu’s personality incredibly similar to the Palace Master’s – this tsundere act of wanting something but refusing to admit it was practically identical.

Gong Lianyue and Bai Ruoxi were sword and sheath. No matter who was the dominant personality, the other could experience the same sensations in the World of the Heart.

And Gong Lianyue often put on a tough act back then, claiming she wasn’t interested in the Innate Celestial Furnace, only reluctantly agreeing because Bai Ruoxi wanted its Spiritual Energy.

Yet after Bai Ruoxi forcibly switched their spiritual senses and let Gong Lianyue control her body, it only took a moment for Gong Lianyue to give in.

She even went from being passive to taking the initiative with Mu Zhian.

Actually, in Mu Zhian’s fishpond, the easiest to win over weren’t young girls like Sister Lingxuan and Sister Qian’er, nor the innocent and kind Spirit Dragon, but tsunderes like Gong Lianyue.

Although possessing top-tier combat power, when it came to relationships, Gong Lianyue was practically clueless.

Compared to scheming, she preferred to simply draw her Bronze Sword and cut through all her troubles.

As for the Spirit Dragon… she was simply innocent, but not foolish. She was aware of Mu Zhian’s many wicked thoughts, and even knew when he was lying, but she usually didn’t bother exposing him.

Because it would make Mu Zhian uncomfortable.

But if he accidentally pushed Miss Spirit Dragon too far, he might be subjected to her Words Manifest Reality.

For example: ‘Mu Zhian will be completely captivated by me for three days and three nights.’

Or perhaps a more… targeted curse like ‘Mu Zhian will be unable to share his Innate Celestial Furnace’s Spiritual Energy‘.

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Yan Ruyu’s soft and delicate body slipped out of his embrace. Her warm, delicate hand gently caressed Mu Zhian’s face, and she said softly, “You’re already married to Fairy Yao Meng… Although it wasn’t a real marriage, it was witnessed by countless people in the Nine Provinces.”

“Moreover, the relationship between you and me is special. If other disciples in the sect see this, it will inevitably cause gossip.”

Hearing this, Mu Zhian gazed at her silently.

Yan Ruyu’s eyes were gentle, a faint smile on her face, her skin firm, but even more captivating was the mature charm the years had bestowed upon her, and the gentle concern of an elder towards her disciple in her eyes.

Although she initially chose Mu Zhian purely because of his Innate Celestial Furnace constitution, after spending more time with this inner disciple, she had developed some affection for this handsome young man.

However, she had always felt somewhat guilty towards Mu Zhian, and he was still so young back then… so she never made a move.

She didn’t expect him to accidentally save Fairy Yao Meng’s spiritual sense in the Pilgrimage Palace.

And that fairy had even taken a liking to Mu Zhian.

“So Pavilion Master was considering my feelings and that’s why you rejected me?” Mu Zhian looked at Yan Ruyu’s mature and sexy face, momentarily stunned.

Then, as if losing all his strength, he released his hold on her slender waist.

“Sorry, I was being too presumptuous…”

Yan Ruyu was taken aback, looking at the dejected Mu Zhian silently.

Mu Zhian slightly turned his head, looking at the sect disciples occasionally flying past on their swords outside the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, a melancholy look on his face.

“I know that in Pavilion Master’s eyes, I’m probably a liar.”

“However, what I said earlier was sincere.”

“Back when I was nothing, you were the first to choose me as an inner disciple of the Book Pavilion. At that time, I suspected you had discovered the secret of the Innate Celestial Furnace constitution.”

Back then, Mu Zhian wasn’t just suspicious, he was practically certain.

“Honestly, I was expectant… but also apprehensive at the time.”

Mu Zhian paused slightly, looked at her, and said with a melancholic look, “Because I’ve always admired you secretly, I hoped we could have something… But I was also worried that if you knew I had feelings for you, you would look down on me.”

Much of what he said was true. He did have feelings for Yan Ruyu back then and was afraid she would distance herself from him if she knew his thoughts.

So he never revealed them.

And Yan Ruyu also secretly admired… or rather, craved the Innate Celestial Furnace, always feeling guilty towards Mu Zhian.

The reason she frankly expressed her past feelings for Mu Zhian was because she had resigned herself to their relationship drifting apart.

But she didn’t expect Mu Zhian to suddenly confess, and even kiss her…

Mu Zhian’s confession made her realize that they both had feelings for each other in the past… This put them on equal footing.

“I’m telling you all this because I want you to understand.”

Mu Zhian held Yan Ruyu’s small hand again, gently pulling her closer, resting his head against her chest, and whispered, “It wasn’t just you who had feelings for me… I felt the same.”

Yan Ruyu stared at him, her eyes wide.

The resistance in her heart gradually melted away, replaced by an indescribable sweetness and joy.

“But… I’m your guide, your senior… Everyone in the sect knows this. If this gets out, it might damage your reputation,” she said with a conflicted tone.

“And if Fairy Yao Meng or Ruoxi finds out…”

Just as Yan Ruyu finished speaking, she saw Mu Zhian look up, his eyes filled with infatuation and tenderness.

He placed his hand on Yan Ruyu’s delicate and smooth face and whispered, “Pavilion Master, I’ll handle this. You’re my benefactor, the one who guided me when I first entered the sect. No matter what, I have to repay your kindness.”

“Is this how you repay kindness, by disrespecting your senior?” Yan Ruyu glared at him seductively, but under Mu Zhian’s affectionate gaze, she shyly lowered her head.

She turned her face away, unable to look at him.

Now, every time she saw Mu Zhian’s face, her heart would flutter with a sweet, inexplicable affection, as if she couldn’t control her feelings.

She didn’t know whether this was because of Mu Zhian’s innate charm, or simply because she had fallen for this disciple.

But now, if she looked at Mu Zhian’s face… she was worried she wouldn’t be able to resist being intimate with him.

Yan Ruyu sighed softly inwardly.

If Senior Sister Lan knew that she was actually flustered by a young man so much younger than her, even letting him hug and kiss her… she would be teased mercilessly.

If she argued with that Senior Sister on Dao Peak in the future, the other party would only need to mention this, and she would be speechless.

After all, it was the truth.

But who cared about that now…

Under the bright pavilion, a fine mist of rain fell.

The magnificent dress perfectly outlined the beautiful woman’s graceful figure as she stood beneath the pavilion. She couldn’t help but glance at Mu Zhian shyly and timidly, her full, rosy lips slightly pursed, her long eyelashes trembling. She looked at the rain, one hand subconsciously gripping her skirt, her heart pounding nervously.

After all, if Senior Spirit Dragon saw this scene, she wouldn’t be able to explain herself.

Although Yan Ruyu was nervous, in Mu Zhian’s eyes, she possessed a captivating charm he had never seen before.

He finally couldn’t resist any longer. He placed his hands on Yan Ruyu’s shoulders, pressing her back against the stone pillar behind her, gently lifted her chin, and gazed at her beautiful and mature face.

Then, before she could speak, he lowered his head and kissed her full, rosy lips.

“Mmm…”

Yan Ruyu’s eyes widened in surprise, then gradually glazed over as she looked at Mu Zhian. Slowly, she closed her eyes, her hands hovering uncertainly in the air for a moment before wrapping tightly around Mu Zhian’s neck, her face flushing a deeper red.

When the kiss ended, feeling the young man’s warmth, Yan Ruyu’s heart pounded uncontrollably.

Especially under his burning gaze, she felt incredibly shy.

Being emotionally dominated by a young man so much younger than her, even flustered by him… this wasn’t how the Pavilion Master of the Book Pavilion should act.

Just then, Mu Zhian asked with a concerned tone, “Pavilion Master, why is your face so hot… and your heart beating so fast? Let this disciple check your pulse.”

“Get lost!”

Yan Ruyu glared at him, embarrassed and annoyed.

This guy was pushing his luck after taking advantage. Just a kiss was fine, but if she really let him check her pulse, he would probably try to go further.

Although she had never been intimate with a man before, she knew about such things and naturally wouldn’t be ‘deceived’ by Mu Zhian.

“Just kidding, this disciple knows his limits,” Mu Zhian chuckled, not pushing further.

He had to know when to stop. Even if Pavilion Master Yan agreed, if Lin Ling came out and saw them… it would be a big problem.

Although Lin Ling was usually a pure and innocent girl, if something triggered her, she might just cast a Words Manifest Reality curse like ‘Mu Zhian will be captivated by me for three days and three nights‘.

Although that girl seemed frail and delicate, she was ultimately a demonic cultivator, her constitution not comparable to a human cultivator’s.

Sitting under the pavilion, Mu Zhian held Yan Ruyu’s shoulder, letting her lean against him.

Even through her clothes, he could feel the warmth and softness of her delicate body.

Seemingly worried about being seen by Lin Ling or the other Peak Masters, Yan Ruyu’s body was initially stiff, but after a while, she relaxed, her eyes filled with tenderness and sweetness.

She had already resolved to distance herself from Mu Zhian, but unexpectedly, things had turned out like this.

Just then, Yan Ruyu suddenly felt the hand around her waist becoming restless. She couldn’t help but hum softly and give him a lazy, disapproving look, “What are you doing? I told you we can’t do this here.”

This was the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, but Lin Ling and that other senior might come out of their baths at any moment. If they saw her intimacy with Mu Zhian… even if they didn’t say anything, she would be mortified.

“I’m just a little cold, hoping for some warmth from Pavilion Master…”

Exposed, Mu Zhian wasn’t embarrassed, but held Yan Ruyu’s soft, small hand and said, then, recalling something important, he asked, “By the way, Pavilion Master, you told me to be careful of the Forbidden Lands earlier, did you learn something?”

How did Yan Ruyu, who had always been in the Two Polarities Sect, know about the Forbidden Lands’ movements?

Even the Ancient Families didn’t know about the Forbidden Lands’ plans.

Yet Yan Ruyu warned him to be careful today…

“You’re quite perceptive.”

Yan Ruyu raised a delicate eyebrow, seemingly surprised by Mu Zhian’s quick reaction.

However, because of Mu Zhian’s restless hand, her voice carried a sweet and lazy tone as she gently swatted his hand away, “Behave, I have something serious to discuss with you.”

“What we’re doing now is serious business,” Mu Zhian said with a serious expression.

Yan Ruyu was both embarrassed and exasperated, What kind of serious business are you talking about? Does anyone act like this during serious business?

“Have you ever heard of a disabled village near Tianxuan City, when you were there?” Suppressing her embarrassment, Yan Ruyu spoke as calmly as possible.

Mu Zhian’s hand paused slightly, and he said calmly, “Why does Pavilion Master suddenly mention that disabled village?”

He couldn’t help but recall the mysterious great power who rescued Huang Weifeng back in the Lan Clan.

That great power seemed to be disabled, their appearance frail.

“I don’t think I’ve told you before, but I studied under a great power together with the Dao Peak Master before joining the Two Polarities Sect…” Yan Ruyu’s embarrassment gradually faded, replaced by worry. “Back then, both my Senior Sister and I thought Master had passed away, but shortly after your Soul Transformation, Master found us…”

“Your master came looking for me?” Mu Zhian suddenly understood. No wonder Yan Ruyu wanted to see him today. If it was at her master’s request, then it made sense.

Yan Ruyu nodded silently, “I only found out recently. He’s a lord of a Forbidden Land. He came to see me not long ago, hoping I could lure you out of the sect…”

The beautiful and voluptuous woman said seriously, “I’ve probed, and it seems Master is also acting on someone else’s behalf… But as long as you’re in the sect, you’ll be safe. So, no matter what, don’t leave the sect recently.”

Mu Zhian looked thoughtful.

No wonder Pavilion Master Yan rarely came to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, yet suddenly appeared with Lin Ling today… He thought she missed him, but it turned out she was worried about his safety.

This was also her way of silently caring for him.

Mu Zhian’s heart softened, and he suddenly sighed softly, “But it’s too boring for me to stay in the sect all alone. I was planning to travel the Eastern Continent.”

Yan Ruyu’s expression turned anxious, and she frowned, about to speak.

Just then, Mu Zhian continued, “However, I just discovered a good place in the sect, but I need Pavilion Master’s company…”

Preferably also Lin Ling and the Princess.

Under Yan Ruyu’s puzzled gaze, Mu Zhian leaned close to her ear and whispered something.

…