It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

After finishing his tea and chatting with Bai Ruoxi for a while, Mu Zhi’an left the teahouse with her.

As they walked down a quiet street in Tianxuan City, Bai Ruoxi glanced around, then asked, “Young Master Mu, if you don’t mind my asking, who was that person eavesdropping on us?”

“The Gongsun family… or perhaps the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce?”

Given the Mu family’s influence, few would dare to spy on them. The only likely culprits were those two families.

After all, she’d been spending a lot of time with Mu Zhi’an lately. They must have been worried that the Mu family would intervene and save the Bai family.

Just two days ago, the Gongsun family had leaked information to Ye Yu, hoping to disrupt things.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “It wasn’t the Gongsun family or the Chamber of Commerce. He’s from outside Tianxuan City. I don’t know his identity yet.”

Bai Ruoxi frowned slightly. “Then why would he be eavesdropping on us?”

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “He probably wanted to see if I truly had feelings for you.”

Whether he liked her or not shouldn’t concern anyone else… Why would someone go through the trouble of eavesdropping just to find out?

She looked at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

Ever since their encounter in the carriage, she’d felt a sense of mystery surrounding him, as if he was shrouded in fog.

She couldn’t decipher his true intentions. Did he still harbor feelings for her, as he had in the past?

The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to know. But he always kept a certain distance. They’d shared a moment of intimacy in the teahouse… but that was all. She still couldn’t read him.

“It makes a big difference,” Mu Zhi’an replied, strolling leisurely down the quiet street. “The more infatuated I am with you, the easier I am to manipulate.”

Bai Ruoxi tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with confusion.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. “Don’t worry about it, Miss Bai. It’s not your concern.”

“More importantly, we need to find a way to approach Gongsun Zan and see if we can get any information out of him.”

“You’re well-connected in Tianxuan City, Miss Bai. Do you know what he likes?”

Bai Ruoxi glanced at him. “Women,” she replied simply.

“If you’re planning to get close to him, Young Master Mu, just invite him to the pleasure quarters.”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “I never go to such places.”

For a moment, even the elegant and refined Bai Ruoxi couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

Everyone in Tianxuan City knew about his frequent visits to the pleasure quarters. To claim otherwise… was he treating her like an idiot?

But then, a thought struck her. Aside from today, she hadn’t seen him at the pleasure quarters or any other disreputable establishments lately.

She opened her mouth to ask him about it.

Just then, a voice called out from down the street. “Ruoxi! What are you doing here?”

Bai Ruoxi’s face darkened. Mu Zhi’an turned to see a young man, quite handsome in a delicate sort of way, approaching them.

Ye Yu.

Bai Ruoxi frowned. She grabbed Mu Zhi’an’s arm and turned to leave. “Let’s take another route, Young Master Mu.”

However, Ye Yu had already caught up to them. “Ruoxi, wait!”

Bai Ruoxi sighed and turned to face him. “What is it, Young Master Ye?”

Ye Yu faltered, then forced a smile. “I was out for a walk after the clan competition today. Didn’t expect to run into you here.”

Bai Ruoxi simply nodded. “If that’s all, we’ll be on our way.”

“Wait!”

As she turned to leave again, Ye Yu panicked. He reached out to grab her shoulder. “Ruoxi, I won first place in the competition today! Believe me, just give me a few more months, and I’ll be strong enough to help you! I’ll be of use!”

Bai Ruoxi frowned and swatted his hand away. “Congratulations, Young Master Ye. But it’s none of my concern. Please behave yourself.”

Her voice was cold and dismissive, much like her initial attitude towards Mu Zhi’an.

However, Ye Yu seemed oblivious to her displeasure. “Ruoxi, if Mu Zhi’an can help you, so can I. Trust me—”

Before he could continue, Mu Zhi’an interjected. “Young Master Ye, there’s no point in pestering her. Why don’t you go find your own true love?”

He ignored Ye Yu and walked away with Bai Ruoxi.

Ye Yu watched them go, his fists clenching.

Mu Zhi’an again! It was him two days ago as well… He must be threatening her. Why else would they be strolling together?

“Mu Zhi’an! I challenge you to a duel!” he shouted.

Mu Zhi’an paused and turned to face him. He smiled at the undisguised anger in Ye Yu’s eyes. “Why would I duel you, Young Master Ye? I have important matters to attend to. I don’t have time for such childish games.”

“Are you afraid?” Ye Yu taunted.

Mu Zhi’an nodded cheerfully. “Yes, I am.”

Ye Yu was taken aback by his frank admission.

Mu Zhi’an continued, “And besides, Miss Bai doesn’t dislike you because you’re weak.”

“Then why?” Ye Yu blurted out.

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “I’m not telling you.”

Simping never ended well, in any world.

Just like the old Mu Zhi’an. If he hadn’t awakened his past life memories and stopped groveling at Bai Ruoxi’s feet, she would still despise him, just like she despised Ye Yu.

Simping wasn’t about agreeing with a girl or trying to please her. It was about lowering yourself, accepting an unequal dynamic where the woman held all the power and showed no interest in you, yet you persisted in your pathetic pursuit.

That was what Ye Yu was doing.

So what if he’d regained his talent and won the Ye family competition? He was still a failure in matters of the heart.

A little bit of “simping” was harmless. But Ye Yu had taken it to a whole new level.

As they continued walking, Mu Zhi’an glanced back. Ye Yu was still following them, keeping a safe distance.

He was convinced that Bai Ruoxi was being coerced by Mu Zhi’an, that she was in danger. He just needed to wait for the right moment to swoop in and save her. Then, she would finally understand his feelings.

“Ye Yu is still following us,” Mu Zhi’an murmured.

Bai Ruoxi frowned. “I’ll handle it, Young Master Mu. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

She turned to confront Ye Yu.

Mu Zhi’an gently placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. He shook his head with a smile. “It’s fine. Just ignore him.”

If she went back to talk to Ye Yu now, she might scold him initially, but eventually, worn down by his persistence, she might give him a chance.

A chance to save the Bai family.

As the “Chosen One,” blessed with immense luck, Ye Yu might actually succeed.

The best course of action was to prevent them from interacting.

Bai Ruoxi nodded silently, choosing to ignore Ye Yu.

They continued walking. Up ahead, they saw a group of servants guarding the entrance to a manor. They looked menacing.

“What’s going on…?” Bai Ruoxi asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“It seems Gongsun Zan is conducting a raid,” Mu Zhi’an replied.

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes widened in understanding.

“But why clear the street?” she wondered aloud.

“Maybe to prevent any… unfortunate incidents with the residents,” Mu Zhi’an speculated.

It wasn’t standard procedure to clear the street during a raid. Gongsun Zan’s actions were unusual.

“This is our chance. Let’s wait for him here and see if we can get some information out of him,” Mu Zhi’an said.

Bai Ruoxi nodded.

Gongsun Zan was a foolish and incompetent playboy. It wouldn’t be difficult to trick him into revealing something useful.

Ye Yu, noticing the commotion, seemed to recognize Gongsun Zan. He approached them.

“Ruoxi, the Gongsun and Bai families are enemies now. We should leave. If Gongsun Zan sees you here, it could cause trouble.”

“I have my own plans, Young Master Ye,” Bai Ruoxi replied coldly. “You needn’t concern yourself.”

Her voice was icy, a stark contrast to her earlier demeanor with Mu Zhi’an.

Ye Yu opened his mouth to protest.

“You seem worried about us interacting with Gongsun Zan, Young Master Ye,” Mu Zhi’an interjected, a smile playing on his lips. “Why?”

Ye Yu bristled. “I’m not worried about you interacting with him! What’s there to be worried about? I’m simply concerned for Ruoxi’s safety!”

“Then there’s no need to worry. I’ll protect her,” Mu Zhi’an replied calmly.

Ye Yu frowned, about to speak again.

Just then, a woman’s scream echoed from within the manor. It was a sound of pure terror, chilling to the bone.

“Why would there be screaming during a raid?” Mu Zhi’an’s brow furrowed.

Ye Yu’s eyes flickered. He glanced at Mu Zhi’an. “That’s not a normal sound for a raid… When Gongsun Zan conducts a raid, it’s usually more than just a simple confiscation of assets.”

Mu Zhi’an’s expression changed. He strode towards the manor.

The guards at the gate blocked his path, their swords drawn. “Young Master Gongsun is conducting a raid today. Unauthorized personnel are prohibited from entering.”

Bai Ruoxi glared at them. “Do you not recognize the young master of the Mu family?” she said coldly.

The guards stared at Mu Zhi’an, their eyes widening in recognition. They sheathed their swords and stepped aside.

Bai Ruoxi watched as Mu Zhi’an entered the manor, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.

The Bai family was in a precarious position. Antagonizing the Gongsun family wasn’t a wise move.

However…

She looked at Mu Zhi’an’s retreating figure, then seemed to make up her mind. She followed him.

Ye Yu hesitated, his expression conflicted. He clenched his fists, but ultimately didn’t move.

With his current strength, he wouldn’t be able to do anything… And he’d only incur Gongsun Zan’s wrath.

He had to be patient. Until he reached Core Formation, intervening would be futile.

He unclenched his fists and watched from the gate.

If Ruoxi was in danger, he could step in and save her… Then, she would finally understand his feelings.

He glanced at Mu Zhi’an’s disappearing figure, a pang of jealousy stabbing at his heart.

If he was from the Mu family, he wouldn’t have to hesitate… He could walk in there and stop Gongsun Zan.

However, Gongsun Zan was different from the rest of his family. If provoked, he wouldn’t hesitate to attack, even the young master of the Mu family.

It would be best if Mu Zhi’an and Gongsun Zan clashed, leaving one dead and the other injured. Ye Yu thought to himself.

Mu Zhi’an kicked open the manor gate and stepped inside.

The courtyard was a mess, the flowers and plants trampled underfoot. The servants were in an even worse state.

Several of Gongsun Zan’s cronies were leering at the female servants, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Suddenly, the gate burst open, and they all turned to look.

One of them, who had been about to… indulge himself, was startled. He whirled around, his face contorted with anger. “Who dares to interrupt Young Master Gongsun’s raid?!”

His eyes widened in recognition when he saw Mu Zhi’an’s cold expression. He bowed his head hastily. “Y-Young Master Mu… what brings you here?”

“Where’s Gongsun Zan?” Bai Ruoxi demanded.

The servant’s eyes flickered, but he remained silent.

Bai Ruoxi frowned, about to press him further.

Mu Zhi’an gently patted the man’s shoulder. “Where’s Gongsun Zan?” he asked, his voice calm and pleasant.

The servant looked up, fear etched on his face. “Young Master Mu, I can’t tell you! If I do, Young Master Gongsun will have me killed!”

“If you tell me, only you might die. If you don’t… your entire family will suffer the consequences,” Mu Zhi’an replied calmly.

The servant’s face turned pale.

He didn’t doubt Mu Zhi’an’s words for a second.

He was the notorious playboy of Tianxuan City. With the Mu family’s power, eliminating a commoner’s family was child’s play.

“H-He’s… he’s in the third room on the right!” the servant stammered.

Mu Zhi’an shoved him aside. “Keep them in line,” he instructed Bai Ruoxi.

She nodded. She glanced at the weeping servants and the Gongsun family cronies, who now hung their heads, realizing the gravity of their situation.

She frowned, a wave of disgust washing over her.

The strong preyed on the weak, and the weak preyed on the even weaker. It was a cycle of exploitation, and it sickened her.

Mu Zhi’an headed deeper into the courtyard, his eyes scanning the area. He found the third room and heard the faint sound of a woman crying from within.

He kicked the door open.

A young woman, her eyes filled with tears, cowered in fear, staring at Gongsun Zan.

When the door burst open, she looked up at Mu Zhi’an, a glimmer of hope flickering in her tear-filled eyes.

Gongsun Zan turned around, surprised to see Mu Zhi’an. “Young Master Mu? To what do we owe the pleasure?” he asked with a smirk.

Then, as if understanding dawned, he gestured towards the helpless young woman hanging from the ceiling. “I see… After you, Young Master Mu.”

“You know you’re not supposed to harm the residents during a raid,” Mu Zhi’an said calmly, his expression unchanged.

Gongsun Zan scoffed. He wiped his hands carelessly. “Come on, Young Master Mu. Everyone in Tianxuan City knows about your wicked deeds. Don’t pretend to be a good Samaritan. We’re both scum.”

He continued, “Scum shouldn’t make things difficult for other scum.”

“Let her go,” Mu Zhi’an said calmly.

Gongsun Zan hesitated, his eyes fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

Then, as if forcing himself to comply, he nodded. “Fine… Let her go, you say?”

His voice was laced with resentment and a slight tremor. He flicked his finger, and an invisible blade of air sliced through the rope. The young woman fell to the ground with a whimper.

Mu Zhi’an’s gaze locked onto Gongsun Zan.

“You’re the one who told me to let her go,” Gongsun Zan said, spreading his hands. “I was simply following your orders.”

He shook his head, clicking his tongue disapprovingly. “You know, Young Master Mu, I’m only being civil because you’re from the Mu family. But that doesn’t mean I’m afraid of you.”

“The Mu family might be powerful in Tianxuan City, but they can’t do whatever they want.”

“Besides, this is an official raid sanctioned by the imperial court. If you interfere, are you prepared to face the consequences?”

“Gongsun Zan, assaulting women and embezzling assets during a raid… are those part of your official duties as well?” Mu Zhi’an’s voice remained calm. “Do you honestly think the court will side with you if they learn of your actions?”

“We can discuss that later.”

Gongsun Zan turned away, a cruel smile twisting his lips. “But first, I have a beauty to enjoy!”

He crouched before the young woman, his fingers tracing the outline of her delicate face.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. She looked up at Mu Zhi’an, her eyes pleading for help, as if he was her last hope.

Gongsun Zan noticed her gaze but ignored it, a mocking smile on his face.

This wasn’t his first time doing something like this, and he’d never faced any consequences.

All he had to do was placate these people afterward, silence them with a bit of silver.

As for reporting him to the authorities…

Well, the Gongsun family would see to it that those reports never reached the right ears.

Clang.

The sound of a sword being drawn echoed through the room. Gongsun Zan turned his head slowly to see Mu Zhi’an standing behind him, the tip of his sword pointed at his forehead.

You wouldn’t dare…

A sneer curled Gongsun Zan’s lips. He reached for the young woman’s clothes.

The young woman, once a pampered daughter of a wealthy family, stared at him in despair, closing her eyes in resignation.

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his chest. His eyes widened in shock, and he looked down.

Mu Zhi’an’s sword had pierced his heart.

He turned his head with difficulty, staring at Mu Zhi’an in disbelief.

“You… You killed me… The Gongsun family won’t let you get away with this…”

His voice cut off abruptly.

Even in death, he couldn’t believe that Mu Zhi’an had actually dared to strike him down.

One of Gongsun Zan’s cronies, who had been watching from the shadows, screamed in terror. “Get… Get a doctor!”

Thud.

Bai Ruoxi stepped forward and struck the man on the back of his neck, knocking him unconscious.

She glanced at the trembling young woman, then at Gongsun Zan’s lifeless body. After a moment of silence, she handed Mu Zhi’an a handkerchief. “This… complicates your plans,” she said.

Their initial plan was to approach Gongsun Zan and gather information.

Now, they had killed him. While it was satisfying, it would undoubtedly cause trouble for the Mu family.

“It can’t be helped. Plans change,” Mu Zhi’an replied, wiping the blood from his brow. He looked at the terrified young woman, his voice soft. “But people… are adaptable.”