It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists-Chapter 338: Ye Qingxin: It’s Cold Out, Here’s a Hat

Ye Lingxuan, Bai Ruoxi, and the others, still stunned by Lan Mulian’s actions, couldn’t hide their annoyance.

“Sister, if Senior Sister Lan wins, will Brother Mu be taken away by her?” Ye Qian asked anxiously, tugging at Ye Lingxuan’s sleeve.

Bai Ruoxi also listened intently.

Ye Lingxuan’s expression remained calm. “It was just a one-sided confession. Brother Mu hasn’t responded. Even if she wins the Ascension Ceremony, the final decision is still his.”

“And I don’t think I’ll lose to her.”

Ye Qian nodded, but her eyes were still filled with worry.

Xiao Shuixian, her figure alluring in her gray robe, observed the scene, a surprised look on her face.

This Mu Zhi’an seemed gentle and refined, but his love life was unexpectedly complicated.

However, her mother had instructed her to befriend him. After all, he had powerful connections. She just had to be careful and avoid getting too close to him.

The whispers and discussions around the Ascension Stage intensified, and Xiao Shuixian silently followed Mu Zhi’an as he left.

Most of the disciples were both annoyed and envious of him.

Lan Mulian was highly respected. If she had chosen an ordinary cultivator, it wouldn’t be such a big deal.

But Mu Zhi’an already had the Jade Empress and Bai Ruoxi…

However, their envy was mixed with awe.

With the Jade Empress’s backing, especially after her calm reaction to Lan Mulian’s kiss… no one dared to openly criticize or attack Mu Zhi’an.

After all, he was her beloved Dao Companion.

…They would, at most, send him challenge letters for a ‘friendly’ spar.

“Mu Zhi’an not only saved the Jade Empress’s life, but their relationship is even deeper than I imagined… She didn’t even react to him interacting with other girls. This is bad…” Xiao Hua thought, looking at the Jade Empress’s calm demeanor, his face darkening slightly. This was troublesome. However, he was a reincarnator with past life experiences. He would find a way. He would reach Soul Transformation soon. And then, he would truly shine. Although he suspected Mu Zhi’an would try to hinder his progress… He had a feeling that their paths would cross again. He had to learn more about Mu Zhi’an.

Just as he was formulating a plan, he saw Xiao Shuixian silently leaving the crowd, following Mu Zhi’an.

Xiao Hua’s eyes narrowed, and he followed them discreetly.

He was worried about his sister. If Mu Zhi’an made a move on her, the original owner’s obsession would intensify.

…

While the disciples discussed Mu Zhi’an’s affairs, he was still pondering Lan Mulian’s actions.

“It seems I have to rely on you now, Mengrou,” he sighed, returning to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony and looking at Wei Mengrou, who had been silently following him.

She glared at him disdainfully.

“Hmph.”

She scoffed.

Only now do you realize my importance? It’s too late.

Although she appeared cold and indifferent, a hint of jealousy flickered in her eyes.

Mu Zhi’an was about to appease her when the formation around the Garden of Heavenly Harmony activated.

“It seems we have a guest. Can you greet them, Mengrou?” he asked, looking at her.

Only strangers would trigger the formation.

Wei Mengrou glanced at him and left the courtyard.

Xiao Shuixian, dressed in simple gray robes, but her natural beauty undeniable, stood before the gate, a small jade bottle in her hand, emitting a strong medicinal fragrance.

If I’m not mistaken, she’s Mu Zhi’an’s maid… Xiao Shuixian smiled gracefully. “Young Master Mu exhausted a lot of Spiritual Energy during his match today. These are some replenishing pills I refined in Yu State. Please accept them.”

Wei Mengrou took the bottle, a faint smile on her face. “Thank you for your kindness, Miss Xiao. If you’re not busy, you can stay and chat for a while.”

“My young master enjoys making friends and… conversing with others.”

She emphasized the word ‘conversing’, glancing at Mu Zhi’an, who was following behind her.

“Please come in, Miss Xiao.”

Mu Zhi’an smiled warmly, inviting her in.

“Thank you,” Xiao Shuixian replied politely.

Snow covered the courtyard, and snow lotuses bloomed silently in the pond.

Wei Mengrou led her to a pavilion, and as Xiao Shuixian sat down, she discreetly observed Mu Zhi’an.

Although she had been interested in befriending him because of his connections, seeing that even Lan Mulian, the strongest among their generation, was interested in him… made her reconsider.

This Mu Zhi’an must have something special about him.

Mu Zhi’an, unlike Xiao Shuixian, didn’t try to hide his observation, his gaze open and appreciative, but devoid of lust, occasionally looking away as if admiring the scenery.

Appreciating beauty was normal, but he couldn’t appear too lecherous.

“Thank you for the pills, Miss Xiao. I’ve never seen such high-quality pills from someone of my generation. Your alchemy skills must be renowned in Yu State,” he said sincerely.

His praise made Xiao Shuixian feel more at ease.

This Mu Zhi’an, if it weren’t for his womanizing tendencies, would be the perfect gentleman. He was polite, approachable, and not at all arrogant despite his connection to the Jade Empress.

The atmosphere relaxed, and Mu Zhi’an began to describe the various sights within the Two Polarities Sect, asking about Yu State.

He listened attentively as she spoke, showing genuine interest, which further improved her impression of him.

As the disciple of the Zunyun Academy’s Dean, Xiao Shuixian’s alchemy skills were unmatched among her peers. She possessed the Divine King Bone and a unique constitution, making her as popular as Lan Mulian.

She had met countless talented young men, but few were as humble and gentle as Mu Zhi’an.

He even seemed to possess a certain charm that drew her gaze, making her want to continue their conversation, even though she knew he had a Dao Companion.

Mu Zhi’an noticed her reactions, a playful glint in his eyes as he took a sip of tea.

Although he was the ‘Heaven’s Chosen Female Lead’, he shouldn’t be this attractive to someone who wasn’t a ‘protagonist’. Yet, this Chosen One’s sister seemed quite fond of him. How interesting.

If Mengrou weren’t here, I could even make a move… He sighed inwardly, then asked about the people around her.

As their conversation flowed, he asked, “You’re not participating in the Ascension Ceremony, Miss Xiao. Yu State has sent their Holy Son and Holy Maiden. But your strength seems greater than theirs… Is there a reason?”

Xiao Shuixian hesitated, a shadow passing over her eyes.

“You don’t have to answer if it’s something you don’t want to talk about,” Mu Zhi’an said quickly.

“It’s fine. It’s not a secret,” she said, shaking her head gently. “Actually, the Holy Son of Yu State… is my cousin.”

“I wanted to give him a chance to showcase his talent to the Empress.”

She paused, then sighed. “Or rather, it’s my way of making amends.”

Making amends…?

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes narrowed, his interest piqued.

He listened patiently as she explained, asking questions occasionally, gradually piecing together the story.

R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freewebnovёl.ƈom Only.

Xiao Hua had been a genius, his birth accompanied by auspicious signs, but he had been crippled at a young age, his Divine King Bone stolen. Fortunately, Empress Luo Tan had saved him.

And after that, he had risen steadily, becoming one of Yu State’s top prodigies.

However, due to his childhood trauma, his consciousness was weaker than others, making it impossible for him to become an alchemist.

“That’s truly unfortunate,” Mu Zhi’an sighed sympathetically. “But if I’m not mistaken, I sensed a tribulation and a strong medicinal fragrance coming from Empress Luo Tan’s palace yesterday… I thought it was Xiao Hua refining pills. Could it be that I was wrong?”

Xiao Shuixian nodded. “His consciousness is too weak to refine pills.”

A weak consciousness…

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered. He chuckled softly. “That’s strange. It seemed to be a sixth-grade pill. Why would Empress Luo Tan be refining a sixth-grade pill?”

Xiao Shuixian was stunned, her eyes filled with confusion.

Indeed, why would Her Majesty refine a sixth-grade pill?

She had also sensed the pill tribulation yesterday, but she hadn’t thought much about it.

Could it be that Xiao Hua was the one refining the pill?

But his consciousness…

Mu Zhi’an discreetly glanced outside the courtyard. He had sensed a figure pacing back and forth.

It was Xiao Hua.

He was concealing his aura and following his sister… Interesting.

Mu Zhi’an smiled warmly and changed the subject. “Thank you for your concern, Miss Xiao. With this pill, I should recover soon.”

Xiao Shuixian, still lost in thought, was pondering his words about Xiao Hua refining pills.

Hearing him speak, she snapped out of her daze, smiled politely, watched as he took a sip of tea, and then excused herself.

Meanwhile, outside the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, Xiao Hua paced anxiously.

His sister had been inside for almost half an hour.

“Miss Xiao, I feel bad for accepting your pill. Please take this Qi Condensing Pill as a small token of my gratitude,” Mu Zhi’an’s voice suddenly came from within the courtyard.

Xiao Hua’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly hid behind a nearby statue, concealing his aura.

He saw Mu Zhi’an escorting Xiao Shuixian out, her face adorned with a sweet smile, the atmosphere between them harmonious.

“Sister…”

Xiao Hua’s face darkened with jealousy.

She had never smiled like that, not even when facing important figures in Yu State.

What did this Mu Zhi’an say to her?

They had only met twice!

And his maid is also so beautiful, even close to the Nascent Soul Realm…

He looked at the tall, aloof maid in the yellow dress following behind them, a sense of imbalance in his heart.

As a Holy Son, he also had many admirers and maids, but none were as exceptional as the women around Mu Zhi’an.

Empress Luo Tan was a great beauty… but she was beyond his reach, even in his past life.

Xiao Hua’s heart twisted with resentment, but he suppressed his emotions.

Judging from Mu Zhi’an’s gaze towards his sister, he’s definitely interested in her… I have to warn her…

He began to formulate a plan.

Meanwhile, after seeing Xiao Shuixian off, Mu Zhi’an glanced at the nearby statue.

Although it was imperceptible to ordinary people, he had sensed the young man hiding there.

Mu Zhi’an’s lips curved into a faint smile.

Although he was the Chosen One, Xiao Hua probably hadn’t expected his pseudo-Innate Spiritual Body to detect him.

Although today’s events had been unexpected, it wasn’t entirely a bad thing.

Xiao Hua’s suspicious behavior suggested he was no longer the same Xiao Hua.

A reincarnator? Or perhaps someone who had taken over his body?

Mu Zhi’an returned to his courtyard, pondering this, then entered his room and began to meditate, healing his injuries.

…

That night.

Lan Mulian’s actions had caused a sensation within the sect.

Although Mu Zhi’an had lost, the focus of the discussions wasn’t his defeat, but whether he had truly lost.

Even those who had wanted him to lose weren’t happy.

After all, he had lost the battle but won… everything else.

Because of Lan Mulian’s actions, Mu Zhi’an, who was already in the spotlight, received a dozen challenge letters that night, all glowing with a golden light.

Of course, he ignored them. He wasn’t interested in fighting.

…

Meanwhile, in Dexin Courtyard.

“I didn’t expect you to come here, Sister Qingxin. I thought you were still supporting Ye Yu,” Ye Siyu said, surprised and pleased, looking at the Ye family ancestor, who had just finished answering Ye Qian’s questions about cultivation.

Ye Qingxin, her magnificent black and red dress billowing in the wind as she looked at the falling snow, her aura cold and aloof, replied calmly, “Let’s not talk about Ye Yu.”

The Forbidden Zone and the Ye family were separate now, and the two talented cultivators from the Ye family in the Two Polarities Sect were Ye Yu and his younger sister, Ye Qian.

She had initially planned to visit Ye Qian after dealing with the matter of her descendants being bullied.

Compared to Ye Yu, Ye Qian wasn’t a cause for concern.

After all, the Forbidden Zone was one of the two most powerful factions in the Eastern Realm, and the Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden was Ye Qian’s older sister. Who would dare to bully her?

However, it seemed she had misjudged the situation.

Thinking about Ye Yu’s behavior, she felt a deep sense of disappointment.

But Ye Qian’s actions tonight had warmed her heart.

Not all her descendants were like Ye Yu.

Ye Siyu narrowed her eyes, sensing something.

“Are you still planning to target Mu Zhi’an, Sister Qingxin?” she suddenly asked.

The Ye sisters had gone back to their rooms to cultivate. They were alone now.

“Mu Zhi’an is a rare talent. I was prejudiced against him earlier, but the misunderstanding has been resolved,” Ye Qingxin said, shaking her head.

“So you’ve already interacted with him?”

Ye Siyu was surprised.

The Ye family ancestor had high standards. Even her support for Ye Yu had been mainly due to his lineage.

For her to praise an outsider like Mu Zhi’an so highly…

A cold wind blew, and Ye Qingxin’s figure flickered, becoming slightly translucent.

“Sister Qingxin, your consciousness…”

Ye Siyu looked up at her, noticing that it had weakened considerably.

Ye Qingxin shook her head and chuckled. “Don’t worry. I didn’t intend to stay in the Nine Realms for long.”

“This wisp of consciousness is enough for me to see how the Ye family is doing.”

It would take a long time for Mu Zhi’an to reach Soul Transformation. Even if her consciousness dissipated, as long as he fulfilled their agreement and opened the Heavenly Court’s gate, she could return.

Ye Siyu opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but seeing Ye Qingxin’s calm demeanor, she held back.

After all, even if her consciousness dissipated, she wasn’t dead. She was simply returning to the Heavenly Court. They would meet again when the immortal path reappeared.

After chatting for a while longer, Ye Siyu returned to her room to cultivate.

Ye Qingxin looked at the falling snow, her eyes calm and serene.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, she turned her head and saw Mu Zhi’an approaching from the entrance to Dexin Courtyard.

He also noticed her and looked up, his eyes lighting up slightly.

Although it wasn’t their first meeting, he was still captivated by her beauty.

“You’re finally here, Senior. I’m sure Qian’er will be happy to see you,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile, walking towards her.

A rare smile appeared on Ye Qingxin’s face. “You’re right, young friend Mu. Qian’er is a very polite and well-mannered girl. And she’s quite talented.”

“Both Qian’er and Lingxuan are well-mannered. Most of the Ye family’s descendants are quite good,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

Then, he glanced at her alluring figure, his brow furrowing slightly. “Your consciousness seems weaker, Senior. Is it because you helped me yesterday?”

Although he knew she wasn’t dying, but simply returning to the Heavenly Court, he still felt a pang of regret.

Ye Qingxin looked at him, her red eyes softening. “Don’t worry about me. This wisp of consciousness is enough for me to stay in the Nine Realms for a long time.”

“We’ll meet again after you reach Soul Transformation and fulfill our agreement.”

Despite her words, Mu Zhi’an still felt a sense of loss.

It would be a shame for such a beauty to leave the Nine Realms.

“I didn’t expect the one who cares about me the most to be not a Ye family descendant, but the one I initially targeted,” Ye Qingxin said, her gaze gentle as she looked at him.

Although he was a womanizer, his feelings seemed genuine.

“Not just me. Qian’er and Lingxuan would also be sad,” Mu Zhi’an said, shaking his head. “I’ll do my best to fulfill our agreement, Senior, but it’s still… disheartening to see your consciousness fade away.”

“If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do my best.”

Ye Qingxin was silent for a moment, the sound of wind and snow echoing around them. Then, she said softly, “There is a way to… nourish one’s consciousness.”

Seeing his sincere expression, she looked at him, her captivating red eyes sparkling with amusement.

“However, it might… displease the Jade Empress.”