It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists-Chapter 386: Mu Zhian, Memories Awakened

He sighed inwardly with a hint of regret.

He had expected Yao Meng to do something after restraining him with the World Cleansing Vines last night, but instead, the vines had absorbed his spiritual energy while she sat beside the bed, chatting with him and watching the show.

Is she playing some kind of edging game with me…?

“If I were truly angry, I wouldn’t be sitting here chatting with you.”

Yao Meng glanced at him. “I know about the Innate Celestial Furnace. If you had really dual cultivated with Luo Tan, you wouldn’t be at Core Formation Rank 6, but at the Nascent Soul realm.”

Mu Zhian was shocked. He sat up, supporting himself with his hand. “Is the Innate Celestial Furnace really that powerful? The spiritual energy I gave others, cough… the spiritual energy I gave you from my Innate Celestial Furnace didn’t seem that exaggerated.”

“The Innate Celestial Furnace constitution itself isn’t that strong, and the enhancement it provides to others isn’t much.”

Yao Meng dangled her jade-like feet beneath her green dress. “Normally, a cultivator can’t help another cultivator’s cultivation. Even with secret techniques that transfer spiritual energy, the amount is limited.”

“But the Innate Celestial Furnace is an exception… especially a Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace.”

“If you dual cultivate with a Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace for the first time and receive their spiritual energy and a drop of their blood essence, the amount of spiritual energy you gain will be incredibly vast.”

It seems Luo Tan wasn’t lying. If I dual cultivated with her, I could really reach the Nascent Soul realm directly… Mu Zhian thought to himself.

Assuming I reach the Nascent Soul realm earlier and then dual cultivate with her, I could probably advance by two or three ranks, because she’s a Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace…

Yao Meng raised her chin slightly. “However, in this world, the only Dao Integration level Innate Celestial Furnace is Luo Tan.”

“Although you’re also an Innate Celestial Furnace, she wouldn’t normally notice you.”

But she not only noticed me, but she’s also attracted to me… Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “After all, I’m only at the Core Formation realm. The enhancement from my Innate Celestial Furnace isn’t very significant.”

Currently, his Innate Celestial Furnace wouldn’t provide much benefit to Luo Tan, but Yao Meng clearly hadn’t expected the Pill Emperor to choose him while he was still at the Core Formation realm.

“Wait… If it wasn’t because of Luo Tan, why did you tie me up last night?” Mu Zhian suddenly realized something.

Yao Meng twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “You left me alone in the Jade Pool and went to the Two Polarities Sect with your little girlfriend, riding a Dragon Sparrow. Can’t I even get a little angry?”

She had been immersed in the joy of potentially breaking through to the Dao Integration realm, wanting to share her happiness with Mu Zhian, but when she opened her eyes… he was gone.

Mu Zhian said sincerely, “You were in secluded cultivation, Ruoxi came all the way to see me, and I had to participate in the alchemy competition. I had no choice but to leave.”

“I know. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be sitting here talking to me now.”

Yao Meng’s green eyes gazed at Mu Zhian, filled with alluring charm. “Bai Ruoxi is your Dao Companion. Since she wanted to see you, I couldn’t say anything.”

Mu Zhian remained silent, thinking that if he said he wanted to bring Ruoxi to the Jade Pool to accompany him, the World Cleansing Vines would probably reappear.

“You don’t want to get married?” Yao Meng suddenly asked.

Mu Zhian: “…”

He was actually quite conflicted about this. He wasn’t against the wedding. After all, imagine Yao Meng in a red wedding dress, with her beautiful skin…

Yao Meng suddenly smiled. “Actually, this wedding might not happen.”

Mu Zhian was stunned. “Didn’t you say yesterday…?”

Yao Meng stood up, hovering in mid-air, her tall, graceful figure faintly visible through the mist, her eyes playful. “I was just joking. I’m not Shang Yanfei. How could I predict what will happen in the future?”

“But whether the wedding happens or not, at least I can get rid of those pesky rats.”

She continued, “I don’t really care about ascending to the Transcendence Realm, but if I can use this opportunity to catch the Southern Wilderness and the Western Regions red-handed, I can deal with those involved after my ascension.”

“Those involved?”

Mu Zhian seemed to have realized something. “You mean those who obstructed your Dao Integration?”

Yao Meng shook her head. “Not just those who obstructed me, but also those who almost caused your death in the Jade Pool.”

Mu Zhian’s heart stirred. No wonder Yao Meng was holding this wedding to eliminate internal threats.

Ascending to the Transcendence Realm was just an excuse. The more important reason was to have justification for her actions afterward.

If anyone interfered with her ascension, she could settle old and new scores with them.

“If there’s a conflict between Dao Integration experts, the Eastern Continent might descend into chaos,” Mu Zhian said softly.

Yao Meng said calmly, “After ascending to the Transcendence Realm, my strength won’t increase much, but I’ll be free from the rules of heaven and earth and can unleash my true power.”

“If I ascend, I’m confident I can suppress them.”

She chuckled softly. “And if the Eastern Continent truly descends into chaos, she will take care of it.”

“As for me…”

Yao Meng paused, looking into his eyes. “I only need to remove the obstacles in your path.”

Mu Zhian was silent for a long time, then said, “Thank you.”

“You’re that confident in Sect Master Lin?” he asked.

He didn’t know who Yao Meng was referring to as ‘she,’ but his first thought was Sect Master Lin.

“Why do you think the Spiritual Dragon was able to defy the rules of heaven and earth and affect the entire Southern Wilderness with her word spirit ability that day?”

Mu Zhian hesitated. “You mean, Sect Master Lin protected Sister Lin Ling and shielded her from the rules of heaven and earth?”

Yao Meng caressed Mu Zhian’s face, her eyes a mixture of innocence and allure. “Shang Yanfei might not have ascended to the Transcendence Realm, but she’s definitely beyond the rules of heaven and earth.”

Mu Zhian murmured, “So the biggest difference between the Transcendence Realm and Dao Integration is that Transcendence Realm cultivators are beyond the rules of heaven and earth and can use their power without limitations.”

“If that’s the case, if Mengrou reaches the Dao Integration realm, wouldn’t she have the strength of a Transcendence Realm cultivator…?”

Yao Meng said softly, “Perhaps.”

“My loved ones have all perished throughout the ages. Whether it’s the Southern Wilderness or the Western Regions, I don’t want to see anyone I care about get hurt again.”

She paused, then said seriously, “Especially my man.”

Mu Zhian looked into her green eyes, then looked away, remaining silent.

“So you can also be shy?”

Yao Meng looked at his profile, a playful smile on her lips. “There’s still half a month until the wedding. Stay here and cultivate in peace. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“I can’t cultivate right now.”

Mu Zhian sighed. “I have to take Regina to the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree first.”

Yao Meng frowned. “I’ll handle that. You can stay here and cultivate.”

Mu Zhian shook his head. “You’ve done so much for me. I can’t just stand by and watch.”

Yao Meng’s eyes flickered, her expression softening, then a playful smile appeared. “You’re just worried that I’ll tie you up with the World Cleansing Vines before I leave, aren’t you?”

As expected of Yao Meng. She really understands me… Mu Zhian complained inwardly.

“Don’t worry. I’m not unreasonable. I won’t be like your little girlfriends, wanting you to stay by my side all the time.”

Yao Meng glanced at him. “I’ll go to the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree with you and protect you.”

Mu Zhian looked at her tall, alluring figure, hesitation in his eyes. “Are you going dressed like that?”

Her dress was too thin. It was fine to wear it inside, but it would be inappropriate to go out like this.

“I’ll change, of course—”

Before Yao Meng could finish, Mu Zhian said sincerely, “I actually prepared a dress for you. You can try it on and see if it fits.”

He rummaged through his storage ring and took out a black dress that reached her thighs, a pair of black stockings with a beautiful pattern, and a pair of high-heeled ankle boots.

Yao Meng glared at him. “Why do you carry these things with you?”

Mu Zhian coughed lightly. “Besides cultivating, I also had someone make a dress a while ago. I didn’t expect it to fit you so well.”

“Heh, are you saying you didn’t make it specifically for me?”

Even the usually elegant and gentle Yao Meng couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him.

What do you mean ‘a while ago’? This dress and stockings were clearly tailored to her figure. He had clearly planned this from the beginning.

Yao Meng gently stroked Mu Zhian’s hair, her eyes downcast. “Do you really like me dressed like this?”

Mu Zhian shrugged. “I like you no matter what you wear. You look great now, but I just want to change things up occasionally.”

“You’re quite honest~”

A beautiful smile appeared on her face, her green eyes playful. “We’ll talk about it after we get back.”

…

After leaving the pavilion, Mu Zhian found Regina and took her to the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree.

Yao Meng was already waiting for them outside. “I won’t enter the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree with you, but I’ll send a wisp of consciousness to follow you. I’ll send you out of this pocket dimension in half an hour.”

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Regina raised an eyebrow. “Young Master Mu, you’ve been refusing to tell me why you brought me to the Jade Pool. Can you tell me now?”

Mu Zhian smiled, deliberately keeping her in suspense. “Come inside with me, and you’ll find out soon.”

Intrigued, Regina followed him into the pocket dimension.

Soon, they reached the depths of the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree. When Mu Zhian pushed open the heavy door, they saw a woman in a black dress, bound by green vines.

The sudden influx of light made the woman squint slightly, then she slowly looked up.

“Mu Zhian…”

Lina whispered, then her gaze fell on the blonde beauty beside him.

Her eyes lit up with excitement. “Lady Regina!”

When Mu Zhian had said he knew Regina, Lina had been skeptical.

After all, how could a cultivator from the Eastern Continent be connected to the Holy Maiden of the Southern Wilderness?

But now, Regina was standing right before her eyes…

“Miss Lina, can you confirm my relationship with Regina now?” Mu Zhian smiled, looking at the woman in the black dress.

Mmm… She looks so alluring bound by the World Cleansing Vines.

I should have Yao Meng try this…

Lina quickly calmed herself and nodded slightly. “Although I don’t understand how a cultivator from the Eastern Continent is connected to Lady Regina, you weren’t lying before.”

“The Southern Wilderness colluded with the First Demon Emperor and attacked the Jade Pool Holy Land, not only to prevent Yao Meng from achieving Dao Integration, but also for another purpose, right?” Mu Zhian asked, staring into Lina’s eyes.

However, Lina remained silent, glancing at Regina.

Regina glanced at Mu Zhian. “It’s fine. You can tell her.”

If it were before, Regina might have hesitated, concerned about the secrets of the Southern Wilderness. But now, knowing that she was born as a vessel for someone else, and all her cultivation efforts were for naught, a subtle change occurred within her.

“The Sky God is searching for Lady Xueyi, hoping for her rebirth,” Lina revealed the truth.

Mu Zhian didn’t lie to me… Regina’s eyes flickered. “The relationship between the Four Pillar Gods isn’t as harmonious as it appears. Why would they go through so much trouble?”

Just to strengthen the Southern Wilderness…?

It was impossible. Those gods weren’t united against a common enemy.

There must be something I don’t know… Regina collected her thoughts and looked at Mu Zhian. “Young Master Mu, what will happen to Xueyi?”

“Yao Meng said that the seal she placed on the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree won’t last long. It will undo itself eventually.”

Mu Zhian looked at the woman bound by the green vines. “Until then, let her stay here.”

Regina looked at Lina and nodded silently.

Regardless, Lina had come to the Eastern Continent under the influence of the Southern Wilderness. Being able to survive was already a good outcome.

After all, the other Southern Wilderness cultivators who had come to the Eastern Continent had their consciousnesses erased by the Jade Empress.

…

Mu Zhian closed the heavy door and looked at the woman in the light golden dress beside him.

“What are your plans now? Are you going back to the Southern Wilderness?”

Regina said softly, “If I return to the Southern Wilderness now, I might cease to be myself after Xueyi returns.”

Mu Zhian pondered for a long time, then comforted her, “Or you can stay in the Eastern Continent. If you reach the Dao Integration realm, you won’t have to worry about this anymore.”

Regina chuckled softly. “The cultivation system of the Southern Wilderness is very complex. Even if the rules of heaven and earth change and allow Dao Integration experts to appear, it’s impossible for another one to emerge in the Southern Wilderness.”

“Unless one of the Four Pillar Gods dies.”

Mu Zhian paused, then realized something. “I heard that the Southern Wilderness’s cultivation system is different from anywhere else in the Nine Provinces, and their cultivators cultivate much faster… Is this the price?”

Without the death of a Pillar God, no new Dao Integration expert could emerge.

The Southern Wilderness’s cultivation system is similar to the ‘seats’ of the Heavenly Court…

“Did the Four Pillar Gods deliberately impose this restriction to control the Southern Wilderness?” Mu Zhian wondered.

He mounted the Dragon Sparrow and extended his hand to Regina.

Regina took his hand and jumped onto the Dragon Sparrow’s back, a rose-like fragrance emanating from her.

She shook her head. “The Four Pillar Gods didn’t impose this restriction. The Southern Wilderness wasn’t created by them. Its cultivation system was passed down by a mysterious woman long ago.”

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred. “Could the black mist secret technique also be left behind by that woman?”

One of the secret techniques of the Southern Wilderness was the black mist, which could conceal one’s aura and even shield them from heavenly secrets for a short time.

“I don’t know. Even the ancient texts of the Southern Wilderness don’t record the events of that time,” Regina shook her head.

She seemed distracted, still thinking about what Lina had said.

Mu Zhian didn’t disturb her. She was intelligent. She would soon decide whether to become a vessel for Xueyi or to resist.

After sending Regina away from the Heavenly Pill Phoenix Tree, Mu Zhian flew straight back to his pavilion.

He entered the room, pondering the events of the day.

The Southern Wilderness wasn’t created by the Four Pillar Gods, but by a mysterious woman… If the black mist was also left behind by her, then the Southern Wilderness’s cultivation system might have been created by the Primordial Witch.

“Although I like being a kept man, the mysteries surrounding Mengrou are a bit too much.”

Mu Zhian sighed and sat on the soft mat, opening his palm. A drop of blood essence, emitting a terrifying aura, appeared.

It was the Immortal Ascension blood essence he had obtained from the Abyss.

He had thought he could give it to one of the girls around him, but in the past half month, he had tried with everyone, including Wei Mengrou, but no one could refine it.

“Is there something wrong with my method, or is this blood essence simply impossible to absorb?”

Mu Zhian looked at the blood essence in his hand. “I’ve tried every method, but none of them can absorb it…”

“Immortal Ascension blood essence… If it could be refined, it could probably boost one’s strength to a terrifying level.”

Mu Zhian sighed.

Unfortunately, he still had no idea how to use it.

“What’s wrong? Why are you sighing alone in your room?”

A bright, charming figure silently appeared in the room, accompanied by a gentle voice.

Mu Zhian opened his palm, revealing the drop of blood essence.

He sighed. “I thought the Innate Celestial Furnace could refine anything and transfer it to others, but I’ve tried several times, and it can’t refine this blood essence. Similarly, no one else can refine it either.”

Yao Meng walked over and sat beside the bed, looking at the blood essence in his hand with curiosity. “You’ve tried with everyone around you?”

Mu Zhian nodded slightly.

Then, realizing something, he explained, “I just wanted to test whether this blood essence could be absorbed by others—”

Before he could finish, Yao Meng interrupted, “Have you tried it yourself?”

Mu Zhian was stunned, looking up at her.

Then, he shook his head helplessly. “I can’t actively use anything within my Innate Celestial Furnace.”

He reached into her dress, embracing her slender waist and gently kneading it, gazing at her. “Speaking of which, you haven’t tried it yet…”

Yao Meng rolled her eyes at him.

Just say you want to dual cultivate. Why beat around the bush…?

“If it can’t be refined by the Innate Celestial Furnace, it means you can actively use it, right? You can try it first. If it doesn’t work, I can try later,” Yao Meng said.

That’s true. I’ll try it first. If it doesn’t work, I’ll have Yao Meng try it when we dual cultivate later…

As Mu Zhian thought this, he continued to knead Yao Meng’s waist, his consciousness casually scanning the Immortal Ascension blood essence.

As expected of an ‘immortal’ beyond this world, when his consciousness scanned the blood essence, he couldn’t sense any spiritual energy within it.

Mu Zhian said helplessly, “I told you, it definitely won’t work—”

His voice suddenly trailed off.

A torrent of memories flooded his mind, almost overwhelming his consciousness. His vision went black, and a wave of dizziness almost made him fall to the ground.

Then, within the endless darkness, a figure faintly appeared.

Mu Zhian fought against the dizziness, clutching his forehead and slowly looking up.

…It was a woman.

A woman who looked familiar, yet strangely unfamiliar.