Chapter 270: The Protagonist with a System! |
The next morning.
Mu Zhi’an woke up slowly, his hand supporting his sore back. He stared blankly at the ceiling beams, lost in thought.
Then, he glanced at the green vines wrapped around his wrist and turned to look at Yao Meng, who was curled up beside him.
Her fair shoulder peeked out from beneath the soft blanket. Her eyes were closed, her posture alluring, her lips a tempting red, a faint blush on her flawless face. Beneath her delicate neck, her collarbone was faintly visible.
Even after last night’s ‘torment’, Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but admire the sleeping beauty.
Despite being bound and interrogated by Yao Meng’s vines last night, he still felt a fondness for the true master of the Jade Pool Holy Land.
After all, this was a world where looks mattered.
Mu Zhi’an touched his sore back, feeling the emptiness within his Vessel, and sighed.
As expected of the Jade Empress, she was not only experienced but also skilled in interrogation techniques. He had even wondered if she had also read The Art of Managing a Husband.
“Give up. Unless I willingly withdraw the Pure World Azure Lotus, you can’t break the seal,” Yao Meng’s voice suddenly rang out.
She had opened her beautiful green eyes at some point, her gaze fixed on him with a smile.
Under his gaze, she sat up, one hand clutching the blanket, her ample bosom pressing against it. Although she was a fairy, her eyes were alluring and captivating.
Her usual ethereal aura was now tinged with a seductive charm, the contrast making his heart race.
Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but stare at her, almost succumbing to her allure. He shook his head, suppressing his desire. “I never intended to break free from the vines. I was just curious about the seal.”
“You don’t resent me for forcing myself on you last night?” Yao Meng asked, a playful glint in her eyes.
“It was my fault. Regardless of what happened, my heart still belongs to you, Empress,” Mu Zhi’an said, placing a hand on her smooth back, his gaze filled with affection.
Yao Meng scoffed and chuckled. “I’m sure you said the same thing to Gong Lianyue.”
She’s not upset about me being intimate with other women. She just can’t stand Gong Lianyue’s arrogance… Mu Zhi’an realized. “I’ve only ever said those words to you, Empress. I swear!” he said sincerely.
Yao Meng observed him with a smile, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “You don’t blame me for what I did to you last night?” she asked again.
“It was my honor to contribute to the Eastern Realm’s prosperity.”
Mu Zhi’an paused, looking into her beautiful eyes. “Besides, it was consensual.”
He was telling the truth.
Although he had been treated like a ketchup bottle last night, squeezed and pressed until the last drop was extracted… his feelings for Yao Meng hadn’t diminished.
Firstly, because this fairy’s beauty was addictive. Secondly, although she had interrogated him, she had been quite restrained… At least, it wasn’t too much for him.
He just needed to replenish the Spiritual Energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace. It wasn’t a big deal for him, as his strong physique and vitality allowed him to recover quickly.
Yao Meng’s eyes softened as she pulled him into her embrace.
She smells so good… and so soft…
Mu Zhi’an closed his eyes, savoring her warmth.
This is the peak of life!
Then, Yao Meng suddenly said, “The Ascension Ceremony officially begins the day after tomorrow. The formations in the Martial Realm are unique. It might cause unnecessary trouble if I accompany you. But you have the jade slip to protect you, so you’ll be safe.”
“If it’s too dangerous, you can always forfeit the Ascension Ceremony.”
“I know what I’m doing. I’ll do my best and won’t disappoint you, Empress,” Mu Zhi’an replied.
“There’s no need to push yourself too hard. If it doesn’t work out, you can always come back to the Jade Pool with me. I’ll guide your cultivation and help you reach the Nascent Soul Realm,” Yao Meng said with a gentle smile, her words revealing her true intentions.
This is the kind of ‘being kept’ I’m looking for… I’m forever loyal to the Empress! Mu Zhi’an said sincerely, “Thank you, Empress. I’ll consider it carefully.”
After enjoying her embrace for a while, Mu Zhi’an said, “I accidentally broke Senior Sister’s testing stele. I need to go to Two Polarities Peak.”
Yao Meng nodded with a smile.
While he participated in the Ascension Ceremony, she would focus on refining the Spiritual Energy within his Innate Celestial Furnace and handling the Jade Pool Holy Land’s internal affairs.
…
Two Polarities Peak.
Mu Zhi’an sent a paper crane towards Two Polarities Peak. After a while, a familiar figure appeared.
She was dressed in a seductive red cheongsam that accentuated her alluring curves, her long, fair legs revealed by the slit in her skirt, her feet adorned with delicate red embroidered shoes.
“Feiying, why is it you?” Mu Zhi’an asked, surprised to see Lan Feiying.
Lan Feiying smiled seductively. “I came to ask Sister about some cultivation techniques and saw your paper crane, so I came to greet you.”
“Where’s Senior Sister?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his gaze lingering on her voluptuous figure.
“She’s reading. I came in her place,” Lan Feiying replied, observing him with a smile. “What’s wrong? Are you disappointed that you can’t see my sister?”
Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his daze, shaking his head with a chuckle. “Of course not. I’m happy to see you too, Feiying.”
He boldly wrapped an arm around her slender waist.
“Behave yourself, or I’ll tell Sister,” Lan Feiying said, swatting his hand away playfully. However, even her annoyed expression was alluring.
If she looked at him like that in bed… The thought alone was exciting.
“You’ve changed, Feiying. You weren’t like this before,” Mu Zhi’an said, feigning sadness.
“You wouldn’t reject my hugs before.”
“We’re on Two Polarities Peak. Do you want to be caught by my sister?” Lan Feiying rolled her eyes and summoned her flying sword, heading towards a pavilion in the depths of Two Polarities Peak.
Mu Zhi’an immediately followed on his sword, looking at her beautiful figure. “So it’s fine if we’re outside the sect?”
“Sure, you can do whatever you want outside.”
Lan Feiying’s words stunned Mu Zhi’an. He had just been joking. When did Feiying become so… open…?
He had been attracted to her alluring figure for a long time, but she had been in seclusion on Heavenly Secrets Peak, so he hadn’t had the chance to approach her.
And now, she had agreed so easily…?
Lan Feiying glanced at him and chuckled. “Defeat me in the Ascension Ceremony first.”
Mu Zhi’an smiled gently. “That’s not fair to you, Feiying.”
In his mind, he had ranked the geniuses of the Nine Realms into three tiers: T0, T1, and T2. Ye Lingxuan, Bai Ruoxi, and other protagonists were in the T0 tier, while the talented disciples from the Primordial Clans were in the T1 tier.
With his current strength, he was at the top of the T1 tier. Even against protagonists like Bai Ruoxi and Ye Lingxuan, he could easily suppress them and make them beg for mercy.
Last night, even against Yao Meng, a Dao Integration Empress, he had initially held the upper hand… although he was the one begging for mercy later.
His chances of defeating Lan Feiying were quite high.
She was clearly provoked by his words. She scoffed and said, “If you can defeat me in the Ascension Ceremony, you can do whatever you want with me afterwards.”
Mu Zhi’an immediately shook his head. “No, I don’t like taking advantage of others.”
“You’re quite the gentleman,” Lan Feiying chuckled. “Then how about this? If you lose, I can do whatever I want with you. That’s fair, right?”
Mu Zhi’an hesitated. “Are you serious, Feiying?”
“Of course.” She slowed down her flying sword and looked at him with a seductive smile.
“What do you say?”
“Since you’re so confident, Feiying, I’ll play along.”
Mu Zhi’an readily agreed, not noticing the mischievous glint in her eyes.
Boom!
A thunderclap echoed through the sky, signifying that their agreement had been acknowledged by the Great Dao.
Mu Zhi’an wasn’t particularly bothered by this.
Although he was a gentleman and wouldn’t do anything too outrageous even if he won, he couldn’t back down from a challenge, could he?
His goal was to win the Ascension Ceremony. He had to defeat everyone, no matter who they were.
For the sake of his future happiness!
As they chatted, they arrived at the pavilion. Mu Zhi’an saw Lan Mulian, dressed in a moon-white dress, reading a book.
She sat elegantly, her skirt reaching her knees, her legs clad in white boots, their translucent, ice-like texture alluring.
Compared to her seductive younger sister, Lan Mulian’s aura was completely different, like ice and fire.
Lan Feiying didn’t enter the pavilion, giving them space to talk.
Lan Mulian looked up from her book, glancing at Mu Zhi’an.
“Senior Sister,” Mu Zhi’an greeted her immediately.
“Have you finished your trysts with Lady Bai and Junior Sister Lingxuan, Young Master Mu? You’ve finally found some free time?” Lan Mulian asked coldly.
Her reaction is colder than I expected… Mu Zhi’an smiled awkwardly. “You’re joking, Senior Sister. The Ascension Ceremony is approaching. I’ve been focusing on my cultivation.”
Lan Mulian, clearly remembering her encounter with Lin Keyu earlier, said sarcastically, “You actually cultivate? I thought you were busy pleasing women all day.”
Mu Zhi’an said helplessly, “You’re misunderstanding me, Senior Sister. I’ve been worried about the Ascension Ceremony and want to achieve a good ranking.”
“If that’s the case, you should reduce your interactions with others and focus on your cultivation,” Lan Mulian advised.
“You’re right, Senior Sister. I’ll cultivate diligently and reach the Nascent Soul Realm soon,” Mu Zhi’an said, nodding obediently.
Lan Mulian nodded with satisfaction. “Then don’t go to Lady Bai’s room or Dexin Courtyard anymore. I’ll ask Senior Sister Yan to arrange a new residence for you. You can stay there from now on.”
Mu Zhi’an: “…”
“Senior Sister…” Mu Zhi’an stammered.
Lan Mulian set down her book and explained seriously, “Romantic entanglements are detrimental to cultivation. Constantly interacting with women will only hinder your progress.”
Mu Zhi’an could only remain silent.
“You’re right, Senior Sister. I’ll focus on my cultivation,” he said, trying to appease her.
Fortunately, Lan Mulian didn’t dwell on the topic. She asked, “What brings you here?”
She glanced at her tall and alluring sister standing outside the pavilion.
Mu Zhi’an hesitated for a moment, then took out a delicate jade box from his storage ring.
“There’s a million Spirit Stones inside,” he said.
Lan Mulian glanced at him. “What’s this for?”
“I accidentally broke your testing stele, so this is compensation,” Mu Zhi’an said helplessly.
Even he hadn’t expected Wei Mengrou to break the stele while testing her luck.
“Testing steles don’t break for no reason. There must be more to this story,” Lan Mulian said, looking at him meaningfully.
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it when we have time,” Mu Zhi’an said, setting the stage for their next meeting.
Then, he took out another jade box and placed it on the table.
Lan Mulian glanced at him, then opened the box.
Inside was a sea-blue Spirit Stone with intricate patterns, resembling swirling waves.
“I obtained this special Spirit Stone in the Sword Palace. It’s suitable for crafting accessories,” Mu Zhi’an said.
Lan Mulian gently caressed the smooth stone, her eyes downcast. “Is this also compensation?” she asked calmly.
Mu Zhi’an shook his head.
“It’s a gift for you, Senior Sister.”
Lan Mulian scoffed. “I’m sure you’ve given similar gifts to others.”
Mu Zhi’an didn’t deny it. He looked at her beautiful profile and said softly, “But this Sea Blue Stone is the only one. At least, I only have one.”
Lan Mulian stared at the stone, her eyes downcast. After a long silence, she tossed the jade box containing the million Spirit Stones back to Mu Zhi’an.
“Testing steles are meant to be used. It’s not a big deal that it broke. There’s no need for compensation. Take your Spirit Stones and focus on your cultivation.”
She accepted the gift… Mu Zhi’an was overjoyed but didn’t show it. “Then I’ll be going?”
Seeing her nod slightly, he put away the jade box containing the Spirit Stones and left the pavilion.
Lan Feiying looked at the young man, noticing his relieved expression. She smiled seductively and transmitted her voice, “It seems you’ve achieved your goal today.”
“It’s all thanks to you, Feiying,” Mu Zhi’an replied through voice transmission.
Lan Feiying scoffed. “What’s the use of just saying thank you?”
Do you want me to offer my body or something… Mu Zhi’an thought, then glanced at Lan Mulian, who was drinking tea in the pavilion. Seizing the opportunity, he took out a special Spirit Stone with red patterns from his storage ring and handed it to Lan Feiying.
Lan Feiying’s eyes flickered as she looked at him. “What’s this…?”
“A Phoenix Cry Stone, a type of special Spirit Stone. I’ve been wanting to give it to you, Feiying, but I haven’t found the right opportunity…” Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice.
“There’s no need to refuse, Feiying. You took care of me in Tianxuan City, and I’ve been wanting to repay your kindness,” he added sincerely.
Back in Tianxuan City, he had had a good relationship with Lan Feiying. He had initially thought she was only being nice to him because he was the Mu family’s young master.
But after learning that she was from the Lan family, he realized she was genuinely fond of him, her actions not driven by any ulterior motives.
Lan Feiying glanced at him, her hand gently caressing his handsome face. She smiled. “In that case, I’ll accept it.”
“I’m glad you like it, Feiying,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.
He wasn’t worried that the sisters would discover each other’s Spirit Stones. As he had said before, these special Spirit Stones were just tokens of gratitude. Even if they saw them, it wouldn’t be a problem.
Since Lan Mulian was still in the pavilion, Mu Zhi’an didn’t dare to flirt with her sister in front of her, so he quickly excused himself.
After he left, Lan Feiying put away the red Spirit Stone and, after watching him depart, she turned to look at her cold and elegant sister in the pavilion.
Then, she walked towards her.
“You didn’t come here just to chat with me, did you, Sister?” Lan Mulian asked, gracefully pouring tea for her sister.
“The Ascension Ceremony begins the day after tomorrow. Are you really not planning to participate?” Lan Feiying asked, her alluring eyes fixed on her sister.
Lan Mulian shook her head gently. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to participate.”
“But you’re only two or three years older than us, Sister. No one would say anything if you participated,” Lan Feiying said, her hand resting on her chin as she tilted her head playfully. “Or are you… afraid of losing?”
Lan Mulian glanced at her coldly. “Don’t waste your time with such childish provocations.”
“You know the difference between the Nascent Soul Realm and the Core Formation Realm.”
“The gap between the two realms is indeed insurmountable. However, didn’t a newly recruited disciple from the Jade Glass Palace comprehend a trace of Dao Rhyme? In terms of strength, she should be on par with you, Sister,” Lan Feiying said with a smile.
“You haven’t refined the Seed of Dao Realization Mu Zhi’an gave you, have you, Sister?” she continued.
Lan Mulian remained silent.
Ever since Mu Zhi’an had given her the Seed of Dao Realization, sect disciples had been lingering around Two Polarities Peak, hoping to witness her refining it and becoming the strongest among the younger generation.
However, to this day, she hadn’t refined it.
“You’re capable of refining it, Sister. Why haven’t you done it yet?” Lan Feiying asked, her voice filled with confusion.
Lan Mulian paused for a moment, then set down her book. “I’m waiting for the right opportunity.”
“Because you’re not ready to accept his gift?” Lan Feiying asked.
The Seed of Dao Realization was a ‘gift’ from the Great Dao, a rare treasure that only appeared during Heavenly Tribulations of those at the Soul Transformation Realm or higher. With it, one could comprehend a trace of Dao Rhyme.
And the power gained from this Dao Rhyme was unimaginable.
Two cultivators at the peak of the Core Formation Realm, one with Dao Rhyme and one without, the difference in strength would be significant.
If the disciple who comprehended Dao Rhyme in the Jade Glass Palace was at the eighth-grade Core Formation Realm, she could even fight against a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Seeing that Lan Mulian didn’t answer, Lan Feiying said softly, “Do you like that little guy, Sister?”
“He’s just my junior brother,” Lan Mulian replied calmly.
She paused, then added, “I just… pay more attention to him than to others.”
However, Lan Feiying scoffed and chuckled. “Let’s not talk about your feelings for now, Sister. But it seems he’s quite smitten with you. Why else would he give you the Seed of Dao Realization?”
“But you haven’t refined it yet. Are you not ready to accept his love?”
Lan Mulian looked at her alluring sister. “What are you trying to say?”
“Returning the Seed of Dao Realization to him now would probably hurt his feelings. And knowing you, Sister, you wouldn’t do that. After all, you also have feelings for him. So since you’re not planning to return it, why not refine it? It will greatly benefit your cultivation.”
“You wouldn’t want to be defeated by someone else, would you, Sister?” Lan Feiying continued.
Lan Mulian’s eyes hardened. “I won’t lose, even without the Seed of Dao Realization,” she said calmly.
There were very few cultivators who had reached the Nascent Soul Realm before the age of twenty-six in the entire Nine Realms. Even Wei Mengrou hadn’t reached that level yet. Among their peers, Lan Mulian’s talent was unmatched. This was a fact acknowledged by everyone in the sect.
Lan Feiying pondered for a moment, her fingers playing with a strand of her curly hair. “Have you ever lost in a cultivation competition, Sister?” she asked softly.
“No,” Lan Mulian replied calmly.
Lan Feiying looked at her with a gentle smile, her gaze lingering on the mission displayed on her system interface.
[Mission: Defeat your sister, Lan Mulian, and make her realize her true feelings. (Reward: One first-grade cultivation technique)]
“Then your perfect record will likely end with this Ascension Ceremony.”
“And I’ll be the one to end it,” Lan Feiying said softly.
Surprise flickered in Lan Mulian’s eyes for the first time. She looked at her sister. “Are you serious?”
“Of course,” Lan Feiying replied with a smile.
“And maybe I’ll even take that little guy, Mu Zhi’an, with me after I win.”
She placed a paper crane on the table. The message within was the one Sect Master Shang Yanfei had sent.
Lan Mulian looked at her sister’s beautiful eyes and her serious expression.
After a long silence, she smiled, her smile as beautiful as melting ice.
“Alright.”
“Then let’s see how much you’ve grown in the past few years at this Ascension Ceremony.”