It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

This is awkward.

As a villain, Mu Zhi’an should theoretically be indulging in wicked deeds and, in this instance, responding to Bai Ruoxi’s plea by expressing his true desires.

However, while that might offer momentary pleasure, it wouldn’t benefit the Mu family in the slightest and would surely attract the attention of some “protagonist”.

Mu Zhi’an looked down at the seemingly pitiful young woman. She gazed back up at him, her beautiful eyes shimmering with unshed tears. One hand rested on her ample bosom, her plump lips slightly parted.

Anyone would be captivated by such a sight.

From an outsider’s perspective, offering the ‘correct’ advice was simple—he should firmly reject her advances and make his stance clear.

However, faced with her alluring demeanor and heartfelt plea, refusing her proved surprisingly difficult.

Mu Zhi’an collected his thoughts, forcing his gaze away from Bai Ruoxi. “Miss Bai,” he said calmly, “you mentioned a reward. What exactly did you have in mind?”

He paused, then continued, “Perhaps the Meridian Connecting Pill left behind by the previous generation of Bai family apothecaries?”

She choked back a sob, her small hand clenching tightly around her skirt. “Besides,” she added, her voice thick with tears, “the Meridian Connecting Pill is not mine to give…”

Her tearful voice, her glistening eyes, and her pitiful appearance would have stirred the heart of any man. A moment of weakness, and he would have caved to her request.

Even Mu Zhi’an found himself momentarily mesmerized. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. She truly lived up to her reputation as the most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City. It was incredibly difficult to refuse someone pleading in such a manner.

However, Mu Zhi’an was still capable of rational thought. He reached out and gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from Bai Ruoxi’s delicate face, his fingertips lingering on her lips for a fleeting moment. “When it comes down to it,” he stated, “your ‘reward’ is nothing more than an empty promise.”

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes remained moist. She stared at the handsome young man before her, her own gaze flickering with uncertainty.

Was the young master of the Mu family intentionally using this method to lure her in, or… had he grown tired of her?

No, it was probably like all the other young talents who pursued her, employing a tactic of feigned indifference to pique her interest.

Yes. he couldn’t possibly give up on this opportunity so easily…

Just as Bai Ruoxi was about to speak again, Mu Zhi’an offered her a warm, friendly smile. “I’m willing to help,” he said.

“But what can you offer me in return?”

He smiled at Bai Ruoxi, who seemed taken aback by his words. “Why don’t you give it some more thought?”

“Please escort Miss Bai back to her residence,” he instructed the coachman. “I believe I’ll take a walk.”

With that, he hopped out of the carriage.

Bai Ruoxi peeked out from behind the curtain, but it was too late to stop him. She could only watch as his figure disappeared down the rain-swept street.

As his silhouette vanished completely, Bai Ruoxi finally withdrew her gaze, her head lowered slightly. A shadow of gloom crossed her delicate features.

It seemed this man had finally revealed his true intentions.

Aside from the Meridian Connecting Pill, the only thing of value the Bai family possessed was…

Bai Ruoxi’s slender hand instinctively moved to her chest, her beautiful eyes filled with complex emotions.

***

Lost in thought as he strolled along, Mu Zhi’an eventually found himself back at the Mu Manor.

A white-haired, white-robed elder holding an umbrella approached him. “Young Master,” he asked, his brow furrowed in concern, “why did you walk back alone?”

Mu Zhi’an glanced up at the elder and smiled. “Ah, Elder Ren. I asked the coachman to escort Miss Bai back first. I decided to take a walk.”

He paused, then asked, “Were you waiting for me, Elder Ren?”

The elder, a servant of the Mu family, was once a cultivator from a renowned sect. After suffering severe injuries in an ambush by enemies, he was rescued by Mu Zhi’an’s father and had served the family loyally ever since.

Since Mu Zhi’an’s parents were rarely present, Elder Ren had raised him like his own son. This was perhaps one of the reasons behind Mu Zhi’an’s arrogant nature.

The elder nodded slightly, his expression curious. “Did something happen, Young Master?”

Based on his understanding of Mu Zhi’an, the young master should have personally escorted Bai Ruoxi back. Yet, today, he had sent her off alone and returned ahead of her?

Mu Zhi’an shook his head with a smile. “It’s nothing, Elder Ren. I simply realized it was a waste of time. Compared to chasing after women, I believe there are more meaningful things I could be doing.”

The elder’s eyes flickered, and he nodded discreetly.

“With the Mu family’s standing, what woman would be beyond Young Master’s reach? It’s good that you’ve come to understand this.”

Bai Ruoxi was indeed beautiful, but not to the extent where she was absolutely necessary to marry. Mu Zhi’an’s previous infatuation was truly baffling—always yearning for what he couldn’t have.

As they chatted leisurely, strolling through the courtyard under the gentle rain, Elder Ren suddenly spoke. “By the way, Young Master, the Two Polarities Sect will officially begin their entrance examination in half a month. If you’re interested, you could go and observe.”

The Two Polarities Sect, located in the Eastern Realm of the Nine Realms, stood facing the boundless World Sea. It was one of the strongest cultivation sects in the world. Rumor had it that the sect master had already reached the Dao Integration Realm, transcending the mortal world. With disciples spread across the Nine Realms, their influence was immeasurable.

Therefore, every year, countless talented individuals participated in the Two Polarities Sect’s entrance examination. Some even attempted to bribe their way in with rare treasures, hoping to join the sect through the back door.

The sect didn’t completely reject these individuals. They would offer some the opportunity to become outer disciples.

Every three years, certain influential families in the Eastern Realm received one slot for a member to become an outer disciple of the Two Polarities Sect.

The Mu family had one such slot.

In other words, Mu Zhi’an had a guaranteed spot.

“Are you suggesting I go and observe how others pass the entrance examination, Elder Ren?” Mu Zhi’an inquired.

Those who successfully passed the entrance examination to enter the Two Polarities Sect were undoubtedly more capable than those who entered through connections.

The elder nodded.

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “Since you’ve suggested it, Elder Ren, I’ll go and take a look.”

After exchanging a few more words with the elder, they entered the manor. A maid in a low-cut, goose-yellow dress greeted Mu Zhi’an with a respectful bow.

Mu Zhi’an smiled faintly. “Mengrou, you’ve been working hard lately.”

The maid, with her ample bosom, slender waist, and captivating curves, lowered her head slightly, her soft bangs obscuring her eyes. “Thank you for your concern, Young Master,” she replied indifferently.

Mu Zhi’an’s brows rose involuntarily as he glanced at the maid.

How could a mere servant dare to address him with such indifference?

As if on cue, memories resurfaced, and Mu Zhi’an recalled why this particular maid treated him with such coldness.

Her name was Wei Mengrou, and although she was a servant of the Mu family, she was different from the others. She was once Mu Zhi’an’s personal bodyguard, possessing remarkable strength.

Of course… that was all in the past.

Not long ago, Mu Zhi’an had made inappropriate advances towards Wei Mengrou in a carriage. When she ignored him, he attempted to get physical, only to be kicked out of the carriage by the cold and aloof maid.

Under normal circumstances, a mere servant wouldn’t dare to treat the young master of the Mu family in such a manner.

However, Wei Mengrou was different. She was a Core Formation Realm expert. If it weren’t for Mu Zhi’an’s mother’s repeated invitations, she wouldn’t even be working for the Mu family.

Logically, as his personal bodyguard, their frequent interactions should have fostered a good relationship.

However, Mu Zhi’an’s past actions had left a negative impression on Wei Mengrou. It was no wonder she treated him with such coldness.

Realizing this, Mu Zhi’an apologized sincerely. “I’m truly sorry about what happened the other day.”

Wei Mengrou glanced at Mu Zhi’an in surprise, but her expression quickly returned to its usual indifference. “There’s no need to apologize, Young Master. It was within my expectations.”

Why does it feel like she’s saying, “I knew you were a scumbag all along, so no need to explain” Mu Zhi’an thought to himself.

Wei Mengrou’s gaze softened slightly as she continued, “I’ll continue your training in an hour, Young Master. Don’t be late.”

As his personal bodyguard, Wei Mengrou was also responsible for his cultivation training. However, in the past, Mu Zhi’an had absolutely no interest in cultivation, his mind preoccupied with more pleasurable pursuits.

It seems an apology did have its uses. Mu Zhi’an nodded with a smile. “I understand.”

As he watched the maid’s slender figure disappear from sight, Mu Zhi’an withdrew his gaze and returned to his room.

Reflecting on the day’s events, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of bewilderment.

He couldn’t fathom what his past self was thinking. Blessed with such excellent cultivation potential, vast family wealth, and abundant resources, he had squandered it all on frivolous pursuits, even pushing his body to its limits.

Mu Zhi’an was confident in his talent.

Elder Ren and the elders of the clan had all said similar things—if he dedicated himself to cultivation, he would undoubtedly achieve greatness.

Hadn’t he seen those impressive-sounding “titles” on his personal interface today?

From now on, he would start putting in the effort… Mu Zhi’an thought as he opened his personal interface.

Three ominous-looking titles appeared before his eyes.

Heaven’s Jealousy, Friend of the Antagonists, Inborn Celestial Vessel.

[Heaven’s Jealousy: A talent that incurs the envy of the heavens, granting accelerated cultivation speed at the cost of a decade of lifespan.]

This didn’t bother him too much. After all, in the world of cultivation, the higher one’s realm, the longer one’s lifespan. While losing ten years was a slight regret, it was acceptable.

Mu Zhi’an continued reading.

[Friend of the Antagonists: Possesses an irresistible allure to evil forces, easily attracting the attention of antagonists.]

Well… this wasn’t a problem either. He was already playing the role of a villain, so it made sense for antagonists to be drawn to him.

Finally, his gaze landed on the last title.

[Inborn Celestial Vessel: Born with an abundance of spiritual energy. The closer the relationship with a member of the opposite sex, the more spiritual energy they can absorb. An exceptionally rare and valuable vessel.]

Mu Zhi’an: “Fuck!”