It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists
Chapter 586: The Dynastic Cycle and the Calamity Body

Great Qian Dynasty.

Imperial Study.

The old emperor unfolded a document and began reading, a persistent frown etched on his brow.

He glanced at the Imperial Astronomer, who stood below, and said in a low, steady voice, “Astronomer, are you certain you didn’t misread the celestial signs?”

A few nights ago, nine stars had aligned above the Great Qian Dynasty, illuminating the night sky.

A celestial phenomenon, typically an auspicious sign. However, that very night, a devastating earthquake struck the Great Qian Dynasty, causing heavy casualties. Following that, tsunamis ravaged the Northern Frontier and the Southern Wilderness bordering the World Sea, displacing countless people.

And on that same night, there seemed to be some activity within the various Forbidden Lands, each sending envoys to the Eastern Continent.

Then, rumors spread that the Great Qian Dynasty’s reign was nearing its end.

These rumors weren’t baseless. After all, there had been similar instances in the past; the downfall of every dynasty was often accompanied by the shadow of the Forbidden Lands.

The Forbidden Lands weren’t the ones who destroyed the dynasties, they simply came to collect the remaining national fortune.

If it were the Demon Realm of the past, they wouldn’t have missed this opportunity to launch a large-scale attack on the Eastern Continent.

After all, a collapsing dynasty meant a weakened Eastern Continent.

If the Demon Empress wished, allying with another power and launching a surprise attack at this time could easily conquer the Great Qian Dynasty and control the Eastern Continent’s lifeline.

Fortunately, the current Demon Empress wasn’t as ruthless as before. Otherwise, that vixen could easily devour the entire dynasty… This was a common sentiment among the court officials, a small comfort amidst their worries.

Seeing the white-bearded Astronomer nod slowly, confirming his judgment, the old emperor’s frown deepened, and he stared intently at him, “Astronomer, choose your words carefully. Don’t spread rumors and cause unrest in the court and among the people!”

The Imperial Astronomical Observatory, in a sense, was the link between the cultivation world and the mortal realm. Their observation of celestial signs wasn’t mere superstition, but a true art.

If the Astronomer’s observations spread, it would undoubtedly cause chaos throughout the Great Qian Dynasty.

“Your Majesty, this official wouldn’t dare… Actually, the Great Qian Dynasty’s national fortune has been declining since the former Imperial Advisor was in power. It’s just that Your Majesty’s focus wasn’t on the court at the time, so…” The Astronomer’s face was etched with bitterness and helplessness. He had submitted memorials several times, urging His Majesty to focus on government affairs, but they were all rejected by Gu Buxing before even reaching the Emperor.

Back then, Gu Buxing completely suppressed the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, leaving them neglected for a long time.

It wasn’t until Gu Buxing’s death that the Observatory regained its importance.

But it was too late.

Sensing the old emperor’s darkening expression, the Astronomer immediately fell silent, not daring to speak further.

National fortune was essentially a form of luck. To the common people, it was an ethereal concept, but those in the imperial court knew it was real.

And it affected everyone, even every dynasty.

Those with heavy misfortune would constantly encounter unlucky events.

Conversely, those with great luck could even find money on the ground while buying groceries. This was the effect of luck.

Similarly, national fortune worked the same way.

However, national fortune was more complex than a cultivator’s personal luck. If the emperor was a wise ruler, governing the country well and ensuring the people’s well-being, the national fortune would gradually increase, and the dynasty would be blessed by the Heavenly Dao.

And if the emperor was a tyrant… the results were self-evident.

This was the downside of mortal dynasties. Those in positions of power, perhaps initially dedicated to serving the country and its people, but after being immersed in power for too long, would inevitably cling to it.

And in a Xianxia world, everyone desired immortality… Emperors who remained consistently dedicated and selfless were incredibly rare.

At least in the recorded history of the Eastern Continent, there hadn’t been a single one.

The old emperor stared intently at the Astronomer for a long time, not speaking.

He didn’t want to believe the Astronomer’s words, but having cultivated with Gu Buxing, he knew that national fortune and luck were real.

Actually, the old emperor had already had a bad feeling when various cities and towns reported disasters recently. And now, hearing the truth from the Astronomer amidst the dynasty’s turmoil, it was like a heavy blow, making him slump back in his dragon throne, speechless for a long time.

“Your Majesty…”

The Astronomer looked at the silent old emperor, hesitated, and was about to speak again.

“The Imperial Astronomer is spreading rumors and unsettling the court, attempting to undermine the foundation of the dynasty. Execute him by beating.”

The old emperor’s indifferent voice echoed through the hall. He didn’t even bother listening to the Astronomer’s explanation, just waved his hand dismissively, ignoring the Astronomer’s cries, and turned to leave.

Since the dynasty was already collapsing, it was better to take as much of the national fortune as he could before its complete destruction…

…

For the officials of the Great Qian Dynasty’s imperial court, these past few days were undoubtedly the most difficult.

After all, once the dynasty collapsed, the officials of the previous dynasty naturally wouldn’t continue into the next.

But for the common people, life went on as usual.

This was the best of times, and also the worst of times.

The best because, in a Xianxia world, with the help of pills, people’s average lifespans could reach a hundred years, barring any accidents.

The worst because there were powerful figures above, playing their games of power and scheming against each other.

And a single grain of sand falling from their struggles was like a boulder to the common people.

At this moment, Mu Zhian was strolling through the streets of the Great Qian Dynasty’s capital.

The capital was much more lively than Tianxuan City, the streets bustling with people, every inn packed, the noise incessant.

“I suppose most people don’t know that the Great Qian Dynasty is nearing its end,” Mu Zhian said with a sigh.

Once the dynasty collapsed, it would also be the beginning of internal strife.

By then, this seemingly peaceful and prosperous scene in the capital would be gone.

Miss Heavenly Dao’s expression was calm. Although she wore a veil and even changed into simple clothes, she still attracted the attention of many on the street.

No one would have thought that the executor of the rules of heaven and earth would be openly walking on the streets of the Great Qian Dynasty, even appearing so close to a cultivator from the Eastern Continent.

“Are you worried about these mortals, Master? You can rest assured. As the executor of the rules of heaven and earth, all living beings are my children. I will complete the dynastic change without causing too much damage,” Miss Heavenly Dao said calmly.

Mu Zhian thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, “Speaking of which, I’ve been wondering, since most dynasties in the Eastern Continent can’t last for more than a thousand years, why not establish an Immortal Dynasty like Yu State?”

“If it weren’t for mortal emperors ruling, the national fortune could be maintained for much longer, right?”

“To the Heavenly Dao, isn’t peace in the Nine Provinces more important than anything?”

Miss Heavenly Dao replied with an expressionless face, “To the Heavenly Dao, maintaining the stability of the rules of heaven and earth is far more important than peace in the Nine Provinces. After the Nine Provinces are destroyed, a new Nine Provinces will be born, but if the rules of heaven and earth collapse, the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human will all be destroyed.”

“The Eastern Continent is too powerful. The Heavenly Dao wants a delicate balance among the Nine Provinces, not one dominant power. Besides, the Sect Master of the Two Polarities Sect doesn’t like interfering in mortal dynasties.”

“Master, having been in the Two Polarities Sect for so long, you should know what Dao the Dao Peak cultivates, right?”

Mu Zhian nodded gently.

The Dao Peak cultivated the Principles of Nature, emphasizing following the natural order.

And the Sect Master herself was proficient in the Nine Peaks’ techniques. After all, she was the one who passed down their Dao Rhymes, each capable of reaching Dao Integration.

Although it sounded mystical, Mu Zhian guessed that the Sect Master cultivating the Principles of Nature and following the natural order was only part of the reason. More importantly, she didn’t want her existence to be noticed by the Heavenly Dao, hence her non-interference in the Eastern Continent’s affairs.

Although he didn’t know the reason, judging from her current actions, the Two Polarities Sect establishing forbidden rules, the Sect Master seemingly binding herself with nine immortal gold chains, and her true body never leaving the Two Polarities Sect, it was all probably to avoid being detected by the Heavenly Dao.

That’s why the Heavenly Dao’s will was so surprised when she entered the Two Polarities Sect. She didn’t expect the entire sect to be beyond the rules.

“The Sect Master not interfering in the Great Qian Dynasty can be explained by the Principles of Nature, but why don’t the other ancient factions interfere either?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

Miss Heavenly Dao said calmly, “Before abdicating, the Great Qian Emperor represents the Great Qian Dynasty’s national fortune. If an ancient faction’s great power controlled or killed him, they would suffer the national fortune’s backlash. Even great powers would be greatly affected. No one is willing to do such a thankless task.”

Mu Zhian understood. This was similar to Ye Yu and the other Heaven-Chosen Ones in the past. Because they possessed great luck, under the constraints of the rules of heaven and earth, Dao Integration Realm experts couldn’t easily act against them.

This was also to maintain balance in the Nine Provinces.

“Every time a dynasty falls, a Forbidden Land appears to collect the Eastern Continent’s national fortune?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

Miss Heavenly Dao nodded gently, “National fortune is much more precious than Master imagines. Every time a dynasty falls, the Forbidden Lands send envoys to compete for it. The last time, the national fortune was taken by the Immortal Forbidden Land.”

The Immortal Forbidden Land… Mu Zhian recalled that sexy, tanned milf.

After the envoy sent by Isis, the Lord of the Immortal Forbidden Land, died, the Immortal Forbidden Land seemed to have become quiet, and the other Forbidden Lands also seemed to have fallen silent… It seemed the news of the two Forbidden Lands joining forces to ambush Mu Zhian had leaked, making the other Forbidden Lands wary.

“Since you’re the executor of the rules of heaven and earth, do you know who the Calamity Body that appears after every dynastic collapse is? Is it the same person, or a different person every time?” Mu Zhian suddenly asked.

This time, Miss Heavenly Dao couldn’t answer and shook her head regretfully, “Apologies, Master… I carry out all Heavenly Punishments in this world, but the Calamity Body that appears after a dynasty’s downfall is an exception.”

“Because after a dynasty falls, the Heavenly Dao itself descends upon the Nine Provinces for a while.”

The Heavenly Dao descends?

Mu Zhian was stunned, then a chill ran down his spine.

So my guess was correct. The Heavenly Dao’s so-called punishment of the Calamity Body is just an excuse. If I’m not mistaken, the Heavenly Dao simply wants to use this opportunity to descend upon the Nine Provinces… Thinking of this, Mu Zhian’s hair stood on end.

They said the Heavenly Dao was emotionless. Now that he thought about it, it would be a good thing if it truly was emotionless.

What if the Heavenly Dao had emotions, even human emotions and desires…?

It would become a god controlling the lifeline of the entire Nine Provinces, a god with its own desires.

The life and death of all living beings would be in its hands… Just thinking about it was terrifying.

Mu Zhian took a deep breath to calm himself and suddenly asked, “When are you planning to start the dynastic change?”

Miss Heavenly Dao replied calmly, “Master seems to have misunderstood. I don’t initiate the dynastic change, but after a dynasty falls, I guide the birth of a new one.”

“The rules of heaven and earth have limitations, so the Heavenly Dao can’t directly intervene and change dynasties.”

After all, the rules of heaven and earth weren’t set by the Heavenly Dao alone, but by the three Daos of Heaven, Earth, and Human together.

“Young Master Mu, is that you?”

Before Mu Zhian could ponder the meaning of Miss Heavenly Dao’s words, a familiar, pleasant voice suddenly came from nearby.

Mu Zhian turned towards the voice and saw a breathtakingly beautiful woman walking out of an inn.

She wore a translucent veil that partially concealed her beautiful face, her eyes gazing at him tenderly, a hint of surprise and hidden joy within.

“Princess Yongning?”

Mu Zhian transmitted his voice, “Why are you here?”

Although the veil worn by the eldest princess was an artifact, concealing her aura, the Innate Spiritual Body could still sense her familiar presence, and Mu Zhian immediately recognized her.

Many guests came and went before the inn, their gazes occasionally falling on Mu Zhian and the others. Although both women wore veils, judging by their auras, they were undoubtedly great beauties.

This made them even more curious about the young man’s identity.

Princess Yongning looked at the woman beside Mu Zhian with a puzzled expression, then, noticing the passersby’s gazes, she said with a smile, “Would Young Master Mu be free for a moment? It’s not convenient to talk here. If you don’t mind, please come with me to the palace.”

Mu Zhian glanced at Miss Heavenly Dao, seeing she didn’t react, and nodded slightly.

The three of them boarded an ordinary carriage, which stopped not far from the imperial palace. Then, they transferred to a palace carriage and slowly entered the palace.

“Whenever I want to leave the palace, I disguise myself like this. Usually, no one stops me,” Princess Yongning removed her veil inside the slightly swaying carriage, revealing her beautiful and noble face, and gave Mu Zhian a polite and elegant smile.

Then, her gaze lingered on the woman beside Mu Zhian for a moment, and she asked doubtfully, “And this is…?”

This is the one who’s here to end the Great Qian Dynasty…

Of course, Mu Zhian couldn’t possibly reveal the Heavenly Dao’s identity so directly.

Mu Zhian smiled, “She’s a friend of mine, she’s just not very talkative.”

He paused, then changed the subject, “The Great Qian Dynasty is currently in turmoil, Your Highness. Do you have any important matters to attend to? Leaving the palace during such a sensitive time can be quite dangerous.”

Princess Yongning said softly, “Rumors are spreading in the palace, saying that the recent celestial phenomena are bad omens. Past dynasties have changed hands shortly after such omens appeared, and there are also rumors of unrest outside… So I wanted to see for myself.”

As she spoke, her usually elegant smile faded slightly, replaced by a hint of worry on her beautiful face.

Although her father had been focused on cultivation and neglected government affairs, who would want to see their country fall?

She quickly composed herself and looked at Mu Zhian, “Young Master Mu wouldn’t come to the capital for no reason, you must have some important business here, right? Is there anything I can help with?”

“I’ve always remembered Young Master Mu’s kindness, so please don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything.”

Mu Zhian smiled, “Actually, I do have something I’d like to ask Your Highness for help with.”

Under Princess Yongning’s puzzled gaze, Mu Zhian continued, “I’d like to visit the Great Qian Dynasty’s imperial library.”