It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists-Chapter 341: The Might of Gong Lianyue

Her opponent, a handsome young man, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes closed in meditation.

It was Xiao Hua.

Judging from his behavior, he was likely the second Chosen One.

Xiao Shuixian saw Mu Zhi’an approaching from afar.

“What a coincidence, Young Master Mu. I didn’t expect to see you here today.”

Mu Zhi’an, who had been pondering the black box, smiled. “I was a bit disappointed after losing yesterday, but I’m interested in today’s matches.”

“Are you here to watch your brother?”

Xiao Shuixian nodded, glancing at Xiao Hua, his calm demeanor radiating an aura of confidence. She remembered his performance yesterday. He had a weak consciousness since childhood. Even Empress Luo Tan had said it would be difficult for him to refine high-grade pills. Yet, he had done it. She was suspicious.

Mu Zhi’an discreetly observed her alluring figure, hidden beneath her simple gray robe and hood. If anyone knew her true identity, they would be surprised. She was a prominent figure in the Zunyun Academy.

“Is something troubling you, Miss Xiao? You seem… worried,” he asked with a concerned expression.

Xiao Shuixian snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head gently. “It’s nothing…”

The matter with Xiao Hua was complicated. She didn’t know how to explain it.

Could she tell him that she suspected her brother had undergone a drastic change, perhaps even been possessed by an ancient expert?

No one would believe her.

She would observe her brother’s performance today and see if she could find any clues.

After all, she knew his techniques well.

“Who do you think will win, Young Master Mu?” she asked, changing the subject.

Mu Zhi’an, looking at her beautiful face beneath the hood, her ample bosom accentuated by the wind, her figure slender and curvy, instantly recognized her as a great beauty.

However, he didn’t linger on her appearance and looked towards the stage, smiling. “I know Ruoxi’s strength, but Xiao Hua’s consciousness seems much stronger than before… I’m not sure who will win.”

Xiao Hua’s consciousness is stronger… He thinks so too? Xiao Shuixian was about to speak when the elder’s voice rang out, “Prepare yourselves. The first match will begin shortly.”

She turned her attention to the arena.

Mu Zhi’an casually scanned his surroundings. He didn’t see Lan Mulian or Lan Feiying. They were probably preparing for their matches.

Who should I support, Feiying or Qian’er…? Feiying has been cultivating longer… I’ll comfort whoever loses.

As for Senior Sister… He rubbed his forehead, a slight headache forming. Her feelings for him were… complicated. She was like a domineering CEO. If she joined his ‘harem’, it would be a disaster.

I need to… test the waters with her…

As he thought this, the atmosphere in the Celestial Realm became tense. Even the cultivators outside felt it.

Bai Ruoxi, a prized disciple of Boundless Sea Peak, versus Xiao Hua, a Holy Son of Yu State, a talented alchemist with the potential to reach the Nascent Soul Realm.

Who would win?

“I’ve heard of Lady Bai’s name. She’s truly a remarkable beauty, as the rumors say,” Xiao Hua said with a gentle smile, his handsome features and refined demeanor making him seem quite charming.

But Bai Ruoxi ignored him, her eyes closed.

If he weren’t Mu Zhi’an’s rival, she might have responded politely.

However, Mu Zhi’an had said there was some conflict between them… There was no need to be polite to an enemy.

Besides, although Xiao Hua was handsome, he lacked Mu Zhi’an’s elegant and noble aura.

Xiao Hua’s smile remained unchanged, but a nameless rage burned within him.

A mere Core Formation cultivator… If this were his past life…

However, after this match, she would know the difference between them, even if they were both at the eighth-grade Core Formation Realm.

As the tension built, Yao Meng finally arrived at the Ascension Stage, her aura pure and ethereal, a faint smile on her lips as she looked towards the Celestial Realm.

Luo Tan, leaning back in her chair, glanced at her.

Then, her gaze froze, fixed on Yao Meng’s face.

A strand of hair framed the Jade Empress’s beautiful face, her usual ethereal aura now tinged with a seductive warmth.

“Is something the matter?” Yao Meng asked, glancing at Luo Tan, a faint smile in her eyes.

Luo Tan chuckled softly. “You seem… different today, Fairy Yao Meng.”

Her aura was much more alluring than usual…

“I’ve simply gained some insights on my cultivation path,” Yao Meng replied casually.

However, her words surprised both Luo Tan and Ye Qingxin, even drawing the attention of the nearby elders.

“After achieving Dao Integration, further progress through cultivation alone is impossible. How did you gain new insights, Fairy Yao Meng?” Luo Tan asked.

Ye Qingxin, who knew about Mu Zhi’an’s secret, looked at Yao Meng meaningfully.

The Heavenly Court’s Spiritual Energy, after being refined by his Innate Celestial Furnace, would transform into an even more potent energy. Could her ‘insights’ be related to that…?

However, under their gazes, Yao Meng simply chuckled, her finger tracing her smooth, fair leg as she looked down at something below the Ascension Stage.

“Who knows?”

Although she enjoyed cuckolding others, she wasn’t foolish enough to attract the attention of other Dao Integration experts.

The fewer people who knew about the Innate Celestial Furnace’s secret, the better.

“Begin!”

The elder’s voice rang out, and everyone’s attention turned to the Celestial Realm.

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Buzz!

Xiao Hua’s sword, its blade shimmering with runes, left its scabbard, a powerful pressure directed towards Bai Ruoxi.

Rumble…

A deafening thunder echoed through the Celestial Realm as he unleashed an attack, a dragon formed of lightning roaring towards Bai Ruoxi, threatening to devour her.

As a Holy Son of Yu State, although his Divine King Bone had been stolen as a child, he had been nurtured by Empress Luo Tan with medicinal pills. His strength was undeniable.

Although Bai Ruoxi was an inner disciple of Boundless Sea Peak, they had many disciples. The resources they could provide, although abundant, were still limited.

And her own family, the Bai family, couldn’t offer much help.

Although they were at the same level, the difference in resources meant Bai Ruoxi was at a disadvantage.

The cultivators below, including those from the Two Polarities Sect, were pessimistic about her chances, although they supported her.

Bai Ruoxi raised her hand, ancient runes flickering on her palm, and struck the incoming lightning dragon, shattering it, but she also stumbled back a few steps.

“Not bad,” Xiao Hua said, nodding slightly, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

This lightning dragon attack, formed from runes, was one of his past life’s techniques, its power immense. However, she was an inner disciple of the Two Polarities Sect. It was normal for her to be able to withstand it.

“This doesn’t look good… Xiao Hua is truly a prodigy…” a cultivator murmured, frowning.

“Bai Ruoxi is talented, but she lacks real combat experience.”

“The outcome is already decided.”

Many believed that Xiao Hua, having experienced countless battles, would be much stronger than Bai Ruoxi, who had grown up in the sheltered environment of the sect. He had already won in terms of aura and presence.

“Lady Bai, if you continue to hold back, your Ascension Ceremony journey will end here,” Xiao Hua said calmly, seeing through her pretense.

“You’re right.”

Bai Ruoxi nodded slightly, glancing outside the Celestial Realm.

Although she couldn’t see him, she knew Mu Lang was watching.

Lan Mulian’s actions yesterday had angered her, and now, seeing this man, Mu Lang’s enemy, acting so arrogantly… only fueled her rage.

A golden light erupted behind her, and from within it, the ancestral artifact of the Sword Palace, a symbol of their ultimate power, silently appeared.

The swords within and outside the Celestial Realm hummed in unison, as if bowing before this ancient bronze sword.

Xiao Hua, using his Spiritual Energy to suppress his own sword, which was vibrating intensely, stared at the bronze sword in Bai Ruoxi’s hand.

“An ancestral artifact?” he murmured, his eyes widening in shock.

He hadn’t expected a small family like the Bai family to possess such a treasure…

After a moment of surprise, a faint smile returned to his face.

“Although you have an ancestral artifact, with your current cultivation level, how much Spiritual Energy will you have left after using it, Lady Bai?”

A Core Formation cultivator needed to channel at least 70% of their Spiritual Energy into an ancestral artifact to wield it.

After all, it was a Dao Integration expert’s weapon. Using it meant awakening the ancestral spirit within.

As long as he could withstand this attack, he would win.

They’re both as foolish as each other. Mu Zhi’an had used the Heaven-Asking Lock twice, barely surviving.

And now, Bai Ruoxi was using the same tactic…

However, he was different from Ye Yu.

If necessary, he could use a secret technique to forcefully break through to the Nascent Soul Realm.

Too bad you’re facing me.

Prepare to be disappointed, Bai Ruoxi!

Flames and lightning crackled around Xiao Hua, his hair billowing in the wind as he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, like a young god-king, his expression confident and powerful.

He wasn’t afraid of her attack. He activated his secret technique and punched, a fiery blast erupting from his fist, meeting Bai Ruoxi’s sword strike head-on!

“He’s too strong!”

“He’s using a secret technique! His strength is close to the Nascent Soul Realm!”

The cultivators outside were shocked, some of the female disciples looking at Xiao Hua with admiration.

His power had surpassed their expectations.

Luo Tan narrowed her eyes, observing him carefully.

Xiao Shuixian was also stunned, her eyes filled with confusion.

When did he learn this technique…?

And his Spiritual Energy, and even his consciousness… were much stronger than before. Something’s wrong…

“It seems the outcome is decided, Young Master Mu,” she said softly, turning to him.

“Indeed,” Mu Zhi’an replied with a smile, his demeanor relaxed.

Although they both agreed the match was over, they had different victors in mind.

After all, Bai Ruoxi’s body was filled with his Innate Celestial Furnace’s energy. She couldn’t be this weak.

Within the Celestial Realm, dust and debris filled the air after their clash. Xiao Hua, his hands still behind his back, his feet on his flying sword, looked at the slender figure shrouded in smoke, a calm smile on his face.

“Are you giving up, Lady Bai? It’s over.”

Bai Ruoxi’s Spiritual Energy was almost depleted, while his secret technique still had some time left.

The smoke cleared, and Xiao Hua expected to see her exhausted and defeated.

However, as he looked at her, his smile froze.

“It’s indeed over,” Bai Ruoxi said softly.

The bronze sword had vanished after her attack.

But then, a brilliant golden light erupted behind her!

Like a tidal wave, it washed over her, turning her white dress into a shimmering gold.

Countless bronze swords emerged from the golden light.

A stunned silence fell over the Ascension Stage.

Xiao Hua’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“How…?”

A Core Formation cultivator needed to sacrifice at least 60% of their Spiritual Energy to summon the ancestral spirit within an ancestral artifact, even with the purest bloodline.

Even if Bai Ruoxi had the purest Bai family bloodline, she shouldn’t be able to summon the bronze sword again after that attack.

And now… there were over ninety swords behind her!

Buzz!

Two of the bronze swords left their scabbards, their blades flashing as they shot towards Xiao Hua.

Even Luo Tan was stunned.

After a moment, her eyes widened slightly, and she murmured, “Gong Lianyue?!”

The Sword Palace Master had achieved Dao Integration later than her, but she was the most destructive force among them.

Bai Ruoxi wasn’t summoning the ancestral spirit. She was the Sword Palace Master.

Boom!

A vast golden ocean filled the Celestial Realm, and Xiao Hua’s eyes were filled with rage and resentment, his consciousness roaring.

I, a mighty sovereign, defeated by a mere girl?!

No… impossible!

Humiliation surged through him, and in the next instant, an unprecedented power erupted from his body, a terrifying pressure, like a bloodline suppression, directed towards Bai Ruoxi.

It was his past life’s consciousness, the consciousness of a Soul Transformation expert, a force a Core Formation cultivator couldn’t resist!

You shouldn’t have messed with me, little girl.

Xiao Hua smirked, his gaze fixed on Bai Ruoxi.

Then, his eyes widened in shock.

The delicate and vulnerable young lady in the white dress…

…had transformed.

She now wore a black and white dress, her aura seductive and alluring, three fox tails swaying gently behind her as she opened her eyes, her gaze cold and calm as she looked at him.

He felt as if he were staring into an abyss, a chilling fear gripping his heart. He coughed up blood, stumbling back.

He gasped for air, his heart pounding.

And at that moment, the bronze swords, transformed into golden streaks of light, descended upon him.

Xiao Hua’s consciousness faded into darkness.

…

A deathly silence fell over the Ascension Stage.

Compared to Lan Mulian’s overwhelming victory yesterday, Bai Ruoxi’s performance was even more shocking.

Lan Mulian’s strength was oppressive, but Bai Ruoxi’s display of power had been… dazzling.

Luo Tan, looking at the scene in the Celestial Realm, said softly, “I thought Sect Master Shang was being rash in accepting that wager, but it seems I was wrong.”

Bai Ruoxi alone was enough to crush her peers, and there was also Lan Mulian.

And…

Bai Ruoxi’s techniques were eerily similar to the Sword Palace Master’s…

Did the Jade Empress know about this?

Luo Tan glanced at Yao Meng, but her expression was calm, as if she wasn’t surprised at all.

It seems… she does know…

And Xiao Hua’s performance had also been unexpected…

She looked at his unconscious form within the Celestial Realm.

…

Among the silent crowd, Xiao Shuixian’s face was pale as she stared at her unconscious brother, her eyes filled with worry and a complex mix of emotions.

Suddenly, Mu Zhi’an’s hand gently touched her shoulder, and his warm, gentle voice echoed in her ears. “Are you worried about your brother, Miss Xiao? Don’t worry, Ruoxi held back. He’ll be fine.”

He took out a jade bottle. “This pill will heal his injuries. Please accept it.”

Xiao Shuixian snapped out of her thoughts, looking at his kind and gentle demeanor, remembering Xiao Hua’s hostility towards him, and felt a pang of guilt.

Why was Xiao Hua so hostile towards him? He seemed humble, polite, and easy to talk to…

She shook her head, politely refusing the pill. “Thank you for your concern, Young Master Mu, but Empress Luo Tan’s maid will give him a pill. There’s no need for you to worry.”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head, looking at her with a complex expression. “I’m not worried about him. I’m worried about you, Miss Xiao. You seem… troubled.”

His eyes held a hint of concern… and a touch of admiration.

Then, he chuckled wryly and sighed. “It’s nothing…”

We’ve only met a few times…

Despite her thoughts, Xiao Shuixian blushed slightly, feeling a warmth in her heart.

Then, she hesitated and transmitted her voice, “Young Master Mu, there’s something… troubling me… but you might not believe me.”

“I believe you,” Mu Zhi’an said without hesitation.

“You believe me even before I’ve told you anything?” she asked, surprised.

He smiled. “I believe everything you say.”

Xiao Shuixian rolled her eyes, knowing he was just trying to flatter her, but she couldn’t help but feel pleased.

She took a deep breath, looked into his eyes, and transmitted her voice, “Ever since you mentioned that something was strange about my brother refining pills… I’ve been suspicious…”

She recounted her suspicions, and Mu Zhi’an listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

As she finished speaking, a faint smile curved his lips.

So Xiao Hua really is a Chosen One.

This made things easier.