It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

As the leading power in Tianxuan City, the Mu family naturally had more experts than those known publicly.

Besides Wei Mengrou and Elder Ren, Mu Zhi’an’s parents were also Core Formation cultivators.

They had left Tianxuan City some time ago due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving Elder Ren in charge of the family affairs.

However, recently, Mu Zhi’an had been handling most of the family business. This was mainly because Elder Ren wanted to test him, to see if he was finally maturing.

While his past behavior had been disappointing, he’d shown signs of growth lately.

And even if he faltered, the Mu family had other trump cards to play.

One of their most powerful assets was the secluded elders.

Even Mu Zhi’an’s parents addressed them with respect.

Led by the spy, Mu Zhi’an walked down a winding path, arriving at a hidden chamber.

One of the most important rules for spies was to “never know too much.”

Longevity required a healthy dose of ignorance.

This place is creepy. Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, then spoke respectfully, “First Elder, you summoned me?”

Even he, despite growing up in the Mu family, had never met the First Elder. Rumor had it that the elder was ancient and spent most of his time slumbering, rarely involving himself in family matters.

Some had even assumed he was dead.

What could possibly have roused such a powerful being?

Even Mu Zhi’an was curious.

As he pondered this, a raspy voice echoed from within the chamber. “A solid foundation, yet your energy is weak and unstable. You frequent the pleasure quarters often, don’t you?”

How does he even know about the pleasure quarters… Mu Zhi’an bowed respectfully. “Greetings, First Elder.”

“I’ve heard about the recent events in Tianxuan City,” the elder continued. “Your actions, protecting the innocent, show a good heart. However, be wary of your duel with Ye Yu.”

“To reach the peak of Qi Condensation in just a few months… that boy has a bright future.”

“Peak Qi Condensation?” Mu Zhi’an was surprised. “He’s already reached the peak?”

He remembered Wei Mengrou saying that Ye Yu was only at the seventh level a few days ago.

“With that… a few days is all it takes to reach the peak,” the elder sighed.

“There’s something within Ye Yu that’s accelerating his cultivation?” Mu Zhi’an asked, his eyes narrowing.

“I can’t be certain what’s within that Ye boy, but I know what that black-robed man who infiltrated the Mu Manor is after.”

The elder’s voice was low and grave. “Heavenly Dao Aura.”

Mu Zhi’an froze.

So that’s why Ye Yu’s cultivation was progressing so rapidly. The Heavenly Dao Aura would certainly explain it.

He’d read about the Heavenly Dao Aura in ancient texts. He knew what it was capable of.

But he was still confused. “First Elder, if that’s the case, why didn’t the black-robed man simply take the aura from Ye Yu? Why ask for our help?”

“Is he afraid of the experts in Tianxuan City? Or perhaps… he’s bound by some oath?”

“You’re quite perceptive,” the elder said, a hint of approval in his voice.

In the world of cultivation, oaths were serious matters. Breaking them could invite Heavenly Tribulation. However, if the task was delegated to someone else, the oath wouldn’t be broken.

The most likely reason the black-robed man hadn’t acted directly was that he was bound by an oath.

“Do you want me to stop him from obtaining the aura, First Elder? Or… do you want me to take his place?” Mu Zhi’an asked suddenly.

“I’m merely offering you a warning. The decision is yours.”

“However, that Ye Yu is destined for greatness. If possible, avoid making an enemy of him.”

The Heavenly Dao Aura was a rare treasure that only chose “Chosen Ones” with immense destiny as its host.

Those with great destiny were the ones who survived falls from cliffs, stumbled upon fortuitous encounters, escaped death even when pursued by enemies, and attracted the attention of beautiful women despite their average looks.

Mu Zhi’an chuckled, a strange feeling settling in his gut. “It’s a bit late for that.”

“Youngsters often forget their grudges as they mature. Befriending Ye Yu shouldn’t be difficult,” the elder said, his tone patient and understanding.

“His fiancée is currently spending the night at the Mu Manor,” Mu Zhi’an replied simply.

The First Elder: “…”

That boy actually managed to snag the Bai family’s precious pearl. The elder fell silent for a moment, then sighed. “Very well… You left the manor tonight, didn’t you? You went to the Two Polarities Sect?”

“Yes,” Mu Zhi’an confirmed.

“Elder Ren told me that you need the Beast King Vine to heal the Bai family patriarch. But that herb only grows within the Two Polarities Sect. Without the Bai family’s support, you need to be careful.”

“And focus on your cultivation. You can find all the Dao Companions and herbs you want once you enter the Two Polarities Sect.”

It was clear the elder was trying to steer him away from distractions, to focus on his training instead of women.

However, Mu Zhi’an hesitated, then said, “But… I found the Beast King Vine.”

He sensed a pause from within the chamber, then quickly explained.

“We encountered a fairy outside the Two Polarities Sect. She gave me a Beast King Vine. She said all she wanted in return was one of the pills I refine with it.”

The elder fell silent for a long moment, then finally spoke. “Relying on others is fine, but remember to cultivate your own strength.”

“I understand… But you see, First Elder, I have a weak stomach,” Mu Zhi’an replied, his tone respectful yet firm.

So, freeloading it is.

A sigh echoed from within the chamber. “You’re dismissed.”

He has talent, yet he chooses to freeload. How could Mu Dailang have fathered such a son?

The elder shook his head slowly.

He does have a bit of my youthful charm, though.

…

Near the center of Tianxuan City stood an elegant, traditional building.

A sign above the entrance proclaimed it to be the “Morning Glory Auction House.”

It was the largest auction house in Tianxuan City and one of the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce’s most profitable businesses.

The next morning, Mu Zhi’an, escorted by Feiying, one of the auction house’s most skilled auctioneers, arrived at a spacious hall behind the main auction floor.

Feiying sat beside him in a red cheongsam that accentuated her alluring curves, her long legs crossed elegantly, her feet clad in embroidered shoes. She was a stunning beauty, a mole beneath her right eye adding to her charm.

In the past, some of the auction house’s items had fetched exorbitant prices thanks to passionate young men eager to win her favor.

However, none had succeeded in capturing her heart.

“Young Master Mu, what are you looking for today? I’ve prepared a private room for you. I’ll have someone escort you there shortly,” Feiying said with a charming smile, her eyes fixed on him.

Mu Zhi’an had once been one of those passionate young men, eager to impress her. He’d spent a fortune on useless trinkets at the auction house.

Auctioneers like Feiying loved clients like him.

It was only natural for her to offer him special treatment.

Some auctioneers even went a step further, fulfilling their wealthy clients’ special requests to secure their patronage.

However, someone of Feiying’s caliber didn’t need to resort to such tactics. Her skills as an auctioneer were enough to guarantee a steady stream of clients.

Mu Zhi’an pulled out a list and placed it on the table. “I won’t be attending the auction today, Feiying. Just prepare three portions of each herb on this list.”

Feiying picked up the list and scanned it.

The herbs weren’t particularly rare. Gathering them wouldn’t be a problem.

“Very well. I’ll have someone prepare them immediately,” she replied, nodding. Then, her eyes twinkled mischievously. “Are you sure you don’t want to browse the auction floor, Young Master Mu? I can offer you a special discount.”

She leaned towards him, her gaze seductive.

Mu Zhi’an looked up at her, feeling a wave of pressure wash over him.

In every sense of the word.

Cheongsams truly were the most flattering garments for women.

He wrapped an arm around her slender waist, pulling her closer. “If that’s the discount you’re offering, Feiying, I’m definitely interested.”

Feiying, surprised by his boldness, didn’t react. She simply smiled at him. “This isn’t the place for such activities, Young Master Mu. Let go. It wouldn’t be good if someone saw us.”

Mu Zhi’an chuckled. “You think I care about my reputation?”

He pulled her closer, enjoying her warmth.

A blush finally crept up Feiying’s cheeks. “You little rascal” she chided, her voice soft and alluring. “Let go.”

He released her and leisurely poured himself a cup of tea.

Feiying took a step back, glancing at him, her eyes narrowed slightly.

He seemed different. His demeanor had changed.

Could it be… those rumors about him standing up for justice were true?

The story of Mu Zhi’an protecting the young lady from Gongsun Zan’s assault had spread throughout Tianxuan City. Many had doubted its authenticity, even after the victim herself had confirmed it.

It couldn’t be helped. His reputation as a playboy was too deeply ingrained. People would sooner believe it would rain blood than believe he would act heroically.

Feiying had been one of the skeptics.

Because in the past, his gaze had always been filled with lust.

She’d assumed he would have joined Gongsun Zan in assaulting the servants, not stopped him.

But judging by his behavior today, the rumors might actually be true.

While he had been somewhat forward with her, his demeanor and tone were far more natural, lacking the usual sleaziness.

That confidence, that self-assuredness, was incredibly attractive.

However, now wasn’t the time for idle chatter or trying to figure out what had changed him.

She knew her priorities.

“Wait here. I’ll have someone prepare the herbs for you,” she said.

Mu Zhi’an nodded.

As she turned to leave, he spoke again. “By the way, is Chairman Huang at the auction house today?”

The Chairman?

Feiying paused, turning to look at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. “You’re looking for our Chairman?”

“It seems he is here,” Mu Zhi’an said, a knowing smile on his face.

Feiying nodded. “He’s here today. He said he was waiting for an important guest”

“Then please inform him that his guest has arrived,” Mu Zhi’an replied with a smile.

Feiying assumed he was joking. “Don’t be silly, Young Master Mu. I wouldn’t dare disturb the Chairman without a good reason.”

“Just wait here. I’ll bring you the herbs shortly.”

Mu Zhi’an set down his teacup. “I’m serious, Feiying.”

“Just tell Chairman Huang that I’m here. Whether he chooses to see me or not is up to him.”

Feiying studied him, her eyes narrowed.

He wasn’t joking. Could it be that the Chairman’s “important guest” was actually this young master from the Mu family?

Well, it wouldn’t hurt to inform the Chairman. She smiled, her expression turning seductive. “Very well, Young Master Mu. I’ll inform the Chairman. But I can’t guarantee he’ll come.”

Mu Zhi’an nodded, watching as she swayed out of the room, her figure captivating.

He wasn’t worried about Chairman Huang refusing to see him.

The Chairman was a smart man. He would definitely come.

The Gongsun family would provide manpower. The Mu family would deal with the black-robed man and also provide manpower.

Surely the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce wouldn’t sit this one out?

Eliminating rogue cultivators required funding.

And that funding couldn’t come from the Mu family.

Nor was it appropriate for the Gongsun family to bear the cost.

The Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce, however, They were the perfect sponsor.