It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Mu Manor.

Back at the manor, Mu Zhi’an sat in his study, a book in hand. He lit the candles on his desk and immersed himself in reading.

After an unknown amount of time, the candle flames flickered, and a gust of cold wind swept through the window, extinguishing them.

The room was plunged into darkness. Mu Zhi’an set down his book, stretched, and said, “Coming to the Mu Manor at night? That’s not your style.”

Unhurriedly, he relit the candles and turned to see the black-robed man standing in his study, his gaze fixed on him. “Your actions today were reckless, Young Master Mu,” the man said, his voice low and dangerous.

Killing Gongsun Zan had caused a city-wide uproar. The authorities would undoubtedly increase patrols, which could interfere with Mu Zhi’an’s plan to lure Ye Yu out.

And he, the black-robed man, didn’t have time to waste.

Mu Zhi’an sighed. “I know, I know. I just lost my temper. It was an accident.”

The black-robed man stared at him, his eyes cold and piercing. He studied the young master’s seemingly remorseful expression. “Can it still be done?” he asked, his voice laced with a threat.

All he wanted was Ye Yu.

“Yes,” Mu Zhi’an replied, nodding. “But I’ll need another two or three days.”

“I need some time to smooth things over.”

“Very well.” The black-robed man nodded, his gaze lingering on Mu Zhi’an. “You seem confident, Young Master Mu. You truly believe you can resolve this mess within three days?”

Mu Zhi’an chuckled. “That’s not your concern.”

The black-robed man snorted, clearly displeased with Mu Zhi’an’s actions.

“Then I hope you succeed in calming the storm, Young Master Mu, and claim your prize.”

With that, he turned and vanished into thin air.

Mu Zhi’an sat in silence for a moment, unmoving.

“He’s gone.”

Wei Mengrou’s voice, clear and crisp, broke the silence. Mu Zhi’an finally relaxed.

He turned to see her standing in the corner, her goose-yellow dress blending into the shadows.

The candlelight illuminated her delicate features, her expression as impassive as ever. She was a vision of beauty, her long, black hair cascading down her back, her slender waist accentuated by a silk sash, her ample bosom straining against the fabric of her dress. Her long legs were perfectly proportioned, and her feet were clad in simple, elegant boots.

She was the embodiment of every man’s fantasy.

Unfortunately, she was a Core Formation expert. Even her master couldn’t touch her without her consent.

If only Mengrou wasn’t a Core Formation cultivator… Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly.

Of course, despite his fantasies, he was grateful for her presence.

The black-robed man, a Core Formation expert, was a formidable threat. But with Wei Mengrou by his side, he felt a sense of security.

After all…

When it came to size, Mengrou was definitely superior.

Mu Zhi’an’s gaze lingered on her curvaceous figure.

“Seen enough?” Wei Mengrou asked, her voice cool and indifferent, as if she could sense his gaze.

Would you let me continue staring if I said no… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, then cleared his throat, changing the subject. “Where’s Gongsun Xiong?”

“Elder Ren is entertaining him in the side hall. He should be leaving soon,” Wei Mengrou replied.

The black-robed man had made a fatal mistake from the very beginning.

His information was faulty. He hadn’t known that the Mu family had two Core Formation experts.

From the moment he’d barged into the Mu Manor, his every move had been transparent. Mu Zhi’an had been watching him, playing him like a fiddle.

“Gongsun Xiong couldn’t hear our conversation, could he?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

“Of course not. I set up a barrier to block the sound,” Wei Mengrou replied.

She paused, then added, “However, he’s aware of the black-robed man’s presence.”

Mu Zhi’an nodded. “That’s enough.”

There were less than ten Core Formation experts in Tianxuan City, and the three families knew each other’s strengths.

The presence of an unknown Core Formation expert lurking in the shadows was enough to alarm them all.

At this point, it didn’t matter who had killed Gongsun Zan.

Eliminating the black-robed man was the priority.

“The Gongsun family might set aside their grievances for now because of this black-robed man… But what about the citizens of Tianxuan City?” Wei Mengrou asked suddenly.

“As long as the Gongsun family doesn’t care, it’s fine.”

Mu Zhi’an set down his teacup and smiled. “As for public opinion… It’s not a problem.”

“You’re going to ignore it?” Wei Mengrou frowned.

The city was filled with rumors. Some condemned Gongsun Zan, praising Mu Zhi’an for his actions. Others questioned Mu Zhi’an’s motives, while some wished both of them dead.

If these rumors were allowed to spread unchecked, Mu Zhi’an’s reputation would be tarnished.

But he hadn’t done anything wrong. At least, that’s what Wei Mengrou believed.

“We can’t completely ignore public opinion. But we don’t need to do much. The wind will change soon,” Mu Zhi’an said confidently.

Wei Mengrou understood his meaning. “You’re planning to manipulate public opinion…? The people of Tianxuan City aren’t fools, Young Master Mu. They won’t be easily swayed.”

Mu Zhi’an nodded. “Of course, I know that. They’re not stupid.”

“But whether they’re stupid or not is irrelevant. They don’t actually care about the truth.”

Wei Mengrou didn’t believe him. “Are you sure about that?”

“Absolutely.”

Mu Zhi’an picked up a paper crane from his desk.

“All they care about is whether the story is exciting, whether it offers them something to gossip about, something to entertain them. The truth, the feelings of those involved… Few people care about those things. It’s human nature.”

Wei Mengrou stared at him, stunned.

After a long silence, she spoke, her voice soft. “You truly understand the human heart.”

Actually, I’m more interested in understanding your heart, Mengrou… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, his gaze lingering on her beautiful face and curvaceous figure.

“Is there anything else you need me to do?” Wei Mengrou asked.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “Just relax and have some tea, Mengrou. Chat with me.”

“As for Gongsun Zan… the winds of change are coming.”

“How?” Wei Mengrou asked instinctively.

Mu Zhi’an smiled, keeping her in suspense. “In the most dramatic way possible.”