It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

“What’s this ‘new Heavenly Dao’ you mentioned earlier?”

Yao Meng stared expressionlessly at the young man standing not far from her, finally unable to contain her curiosity.

The ancient coffin contained a passage to the Heavenly Court, and Mu Zhian could use it to ‘invite’ other cultivators, allowing their consciousness to enter the Heavenly Court.

After they returned to their living quarters, Mu Zhian used the ancient coffin to bring Yao Meng’s consciousness into the Heavenly Court.

However, Sister Jade Empress’s current attire was clearly different from usual…

“Also, are you sure this is the required attire for entering the Heavenly Court?”

Yao Meng tugged at the hem of her rather short skirt with a slightly awkward expression. Her usual green dress had been replaced by a black miniskirt, the hem reaching the roots of her thighs. Her fair, alluring legs were encased in semi-transparent black stockings, and her feet were adorned with a pair of stiletto heels.

Each step she took was accompanied by a captivating sound. Barefoot, she was about the same height as Mu Zhian, but now, Yao Meng’s figure appeared taller and more alluring, seemingly even slightly taller than him.

“Um… these are the rules of the Heavenly Court. There’s nothing I can do about it,” Mu Zhian coughed lightly, taking a few more glances at Yao Meng before smiling faintly. “And it suits you very well.”

It was truly captivating.

Even with her unwavering Dao Heart, Yao Meng couldn’t help but give Mu Zhian a sideways glance. Under his burning gaze, she fidgeted with her skirt, lightly caressing her legs. A beautiful blush crept onto her flawless, snow-white face, even reaching her earlobes.

No matter how pristine she usually was, walking through the Heavenly Court in such revealing clothing with Mu Zhian, even without anyone around, was inevitably embarrassing.

She shouldn’t have listened to him. Mu Zhian was clearly teasing her.

“Didn’t you prepare these clothes and skirt yourself? Why are you so embarrassed?” Mu Zhian stepped forward, taking her delicate hand in his and smiling.

Yao Meng glanced at him, a hint of shyness in her usually gentle, sisterly voice. “I only intended to try them on occasionally in private, not to accompany you through the Heavenly Court dressed like this.”

Fortunately, she was still enveloped in a celestial mist. Even if there were people present in the Heavenly Court, they wouldn’t be able to see through it.

“Do you like stockings that much?” she asked.

Mu Zhian shook his head, speaking seriously, “I think bare legs suit you better, but trying this occasionally isn’t bad either.”

He looked up at the ancient gate of the Heavenly Court at the end of the Ascension Stage.

“You can try pushing open that gate now. I think it should be fine.”

He had set the rules of the Heavenly Court, but he hadn’t tested whether simply following them was enough to enter.

Yao Meng glanced at Mu Zhian, then raised her hand and gently pushed open the gate.

“A Dao Integration aura… Finally, some business? I thought you had forgotten about me, Big Brother.”

A clear, pleasant voice, belonging to a young girl, echoed from within the Heavenly Court. From behind the gate, a silver-haired loli suddenly charged forward and clung to Mu Zhian’s leg. Her soft, silver hair cascaded down naturally, a single ahoge drooping on her head. She rubbed her face against Mu Zhian like a clingy cat.

“A loli…?”

Yao Meng blinked her bright green eyes, then looked at Mu Zhian with surprise, as if seeing him for the first time. “Secretly hiding such a cute loli in the Heavenly Court… you’re quite the criminal…”

Mu Zhian said helplessly, “If I were really hiding a wife in the Heavenly Court, why would I bring you here too?”

“She’s not someone I’m hiding. She was already here.”

Yao Meng eyed the silver-haired loli suspiciously. “Who is she…?”

“Daddy!”

Yuanluo looked up, blinking her bright red eyes playfully, and reached out to Mu Zhian, asking for a hug.

“……”

For a moment, an awkward silence fell over the Heavenly Court.

Yao Meng looked at Mu Zhian questioningly, her eyes filled with gentle confusion.

Mu Zhian lightly patted Yuanluo’s head, stroking her soft hair. “Don’t be silly. Sister Jade Empress is my Dao Companion. We need to be serious. We have business to attend to.”

Yao Meng narrowed her eyes, studying the silver-haired loli, then said softly, “Whose child is this?”

“Calm down. If I really had a daughter, why would I bring you to meet her?”

Mu Zhian gently pushed Yuanluo’s ahoge, along with her head, away. “The ‘new Heavenly Dao’ I mentioned earlier refers to this child. You can call her Yuanluo.”

Yao Meng’s expression remained unchanged as she observed Yuanluo, then glanced at Mu Zhian with a teasing look. “I thought you were secretly keeping a loli here in the Heavenly Court as your wife… If that were the case, I would have to consider locking you up in the Jade Pool’s solitary confinement for some self-reflection.”

Then, she continued as if talking to herself, “She doesn’t belong to the Nine Provinces, hence the term ‘new Heavenly Dao’?”

Yao Meng could naturally sense Yuanluo’s unique nature… The loli didn’t even have any spiritual energy fluctuations or any aura at all, because she wasn’t a living being.

If the Heavenly Dao of the Nine Provinces was the collective will of all living beings, then Yuanluo was the will born from the Heavenly Court.

“By achieving Dao Integration within the Heavenly Court and absorbing the spiritual energy here, one can bypass the Heavenly Dao of the Nine Provinces… and there’s no need to cultivate anew or even re-integrate with the Dao, is that right?”

As expected of an Empress who had stood for millennia, Yao Meng immediately grasped Mu Zhian’s intentions, and an unprecedented light flickered in her eyes.

Yuanluo pointed towards the gate of the Heavenly Court, smiling. “As long as you step through that gate, you can absorb the spiritual energy of the Heavenly Court. As for the method of Dao Integration, since you’ve already achieved it once, you should know what to do.”

Yao Meng nodded silently.

Mu Zhian said, “If you can replenish your depleted cauldron to its full state within the Heavenly Court, you’ll be able to handle whatever the Southern Wilderness throws at us, right?”

“It won’t just be ‘handling it’ so simply.”

A charming smile appeared on Yao Meng’s face. “Currently, some cultivators in the Nine Provinces know that although I’ve achieved Dao Integration, my cauldron hasn’t absorbed much spiritual energy. I’m sure some will be careless because of this.”

She lazily raised her eyes, gazing at Mu Zhian. “Perhaps, I can give them a surprise.”

“But future matters can be dealt with later. Right now, there’s something else I’m curious about…”

Yao Meng glanced at the silver-haired loli swaying beside them with her hands behind her back and asked softly, “Yuanluo, do you know who set the rules of the Heavenly Court?”

“The rules of the Heavenly Court?” Yuanluo blinked, tilting her head, and subconsciously glanced at Mu Zhian.

Yao Meng elegantly twirled a strand of hair around her pinky finger, letting it rest on her shoulder. She raised her eyes and said languidly, “You should have seen my attire… Someone told me these were the rules of the Heavenly Court, so I dressed like this to accompany him here.”

Mu Zhian gave Yuanluo a ‘you know what I mean’ look.

Yuanluo subtly nodded obediently, secretly giving Mu Zhian a thumbs-up, expressing ‘Nice going, bro’.

Then, in an impersonal, indifferent tone, she said, “He set the rules.”

Mu Zhian: “?”

If it weren’t for the wrong time and place, he would have picked Yuanluo up and given her a lecture right then and there.

“Then, I’ll excuse myself and return to the Heavenly Court…”

Yuanluo lifted her skirt, curtsied elegantly towards Mu Zhian, and turned into pale white particles of light, disappearing from sight.

Mu Zhian had wanted to reach out and grab her back, but remembering Yao Meng’s watchful gaze, his hand dropped limply.

“So, the so-called Heavenly Court rule about wearing stockings and a skirt was indeed your own ridiculous idea, wasn’t it?”

Even the elegant celestial maiden couldn’t help but give Mu Zhian a look filled with disdain and contempt, as if saying ‘I can’t believe you’re this kind of person, Mu Zhian’.

She raised her snow-white chin slightly, smiling at Mu Zhian. “Making me go through all the trouble of changing into a skirt and stockings to accompany you to the Heavenly Court… Don’t you have anything to say?”

Mu Zhian pondered for a few seconds. “I’ve suddenly realized that this look suits you quite well. Could you show me this expression again next time you step on me?”

Yao Meng: “…”

Mu Zhian sighed softly, looked up at Yao Meng again, and said, “I just occasionally want to see you wearing a short skirt that reveals your thighs, with black or white stockings, and a pair of high heels. Is that so wrong?!”

“If it weren’t for the urgent situation and lack of time to modify the rules, I would have also asked you to bring the bondage ropes and the unspeakable ball from the pavilion… And maybe a leg ring too, if possible!”

The naturally calm Sister Jade Empress maintained her smile, but beckoned Mu Zhian with her finger.

As he approached, she flicked his forehead lightly.

“Next time, you need to tell me these things in advance.”

Yao Meng paused, glanced at him, and continued, “If you had told me, I might have considered indulging your… preferences…”

Mu Zhian was taken aback. “What about the bondage ropes and the unspeakable ball…?”

Yao Meng gave him a coquettish glare. “Scram.”

A moment later, as Yao Meng stepped into the Heavenly Court, Mu Zhian pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, “What about Senior Ye… Senior Ye?”

Yao Meng glanced back, smiling. “Her consciousness is being nourished within your Innate Celestial Furnace. Don’t worry. As for you… The Heavenly Court’s spiritual energy is incredibly rich. Absorbing it will only take a few days. I’ll leave the Heavenly Court soon to see you. Don’t worry.”

The problem is, I’m afraid Senior Ye will get bored alone in my Innate Celestial Furnace, and I’ll get bored alone in the Jade Pool… Mu Zhian nodded slightly. “I understand.”

He was about to leave when he suddenly heard the captivating sound of high heels clicking against the ground.

He looked up to see Yao Meng approaching him. A subtle smile played on her lips as she bent slightly, placing her hands on her knees, and whispered in his ear in a seductive voice, “About those bondage ropes you mentioned… after I come out, I might consider it…”

After speaking, she kissed him lightly on the cheek.

A cool sensation lingered on his face, along with a faint red lip print.

“Mmm…”

Before Yao Meng could speak again, Mu Zhian wrapped his arms around her slender waist and kissed her soft lips.

The moment their lips met, Yao Meng was stunned for a moment, then her eyes softened and slowly closed, her long, curled lashes fluttering gently.

At that moment, on Mu Zhian’s personal interface, a name appeared after the First Seat.

And after that name, a confirmation prompt appeared.

“Acknowledge,” Mu Zhian whispered in his heart.

As their spiritual energy intertwined in an intimate embrace, Yao Meng vaguely felt some kind of restriction between heaven and earth begin to shatter.

She slowly opened her eyes, staring at Mu Zhian in astonishment.

The laws of heaven and earth had always limited the cultivators of the Nine Provinces, with Dao Integration being the limit.

But Mu Zhian had given her the First Seat of the Heavenly Court.

And at this moment, the shackles of Dao Integration were broken.

…

A long time later, they parted.

Yao Meng gently wiped the remaining moisture from her red lips with a handkerchief, then carefully wiped Mu Zhian’s lips as well.

“You gave me the First Seat of the Heavenly Court. Do you regret it?”

She glanced at the red lip print on his right cheek, a charming smile gracing her face.

It felt like she had left her mark on him, a strangely satisfying feeling.

“I won’t regret giving it to you.”

Mu Zhian smiled, his expression filled with a hint of satisfaction.

Tenderness flickered in Yao Meng’s beautiful eyes. “Thank you.”

“In a few days, you’ll see a different me.”

Mu Zhian held her delicate hand, smiling. “I’m looking forward to it.”

…

Bai Ruoxi’s long hair fluttered in the cold wind, her ample bosom heaving gently…

Her figure was exquisite, tall and slender. Her snow-white palace dress was embroidered with plum blossoms, and she wore a large cloak against the cold. She appeared cold and delicate, exuding a captivating charm that evoked pity.

She had arrived at the Jade Pool Holy Land a day ago, but the Jade Pool Holy Land was no longer what it once was. Its formations were complex and numerous. Forcing her way in was certainly possible, but it would inevitably alert the Jade Empress.

Therefore, she spent most of the day deciphering the layers of formations, undetected by any Jade Pool disciples.

“So this is the Jade Pool Holy Land?”

Bai Ruoxi whispered, “I wonder if Mu Lang is really here.”

“I’ve already confirmed with my consciousness that he’s in a pavilion to the south. However, I haven’t detected the Jade Empress’s aura. I don’t know if she’s left or not,” Gong Lianyue’s voice echoed in Bai Ruoxi’s mind.

Before Bai Ruoxi reached the Nascent Soul realm, Gong Lianyue couldn’t maintain her consciousness constantly. Thus, after deciphering the formations, Bai Ruoxi took the dominant role.

Bai Ruoxi smiled gently, looking up towards a certain direction in the Jade Pool Holy Land. Her voice was cold and melodious. “Wouldn’t it be better if she wasn’t here?”

“Just rest easy. I’ll find Mu Lang and bring him back to the Two Polarities Sect.”

…

Mu Zhian wiped the red lip print from his face, looking at himself in the bronze mirror.

As a seasoned veteran in the garden of love, he was no stranger to such things.

Yao Meng knew Young Master Mu liked to… taste the rouge on her lips, so she had applied light makeup, even a layer of brightly colored, alluring rouge.

As expected, it had been mostly… consumed by Mu Zhian not long ago when she entered the Heavenly Court.

After wiping it clean, Mu Zhian opened his personal interface and glanced at the text.

Besides the titles, below the title of Lord of the Heavenly Court, the words “First Seat” had appeared.

And after those words, a name was displayed.

[Heavenly Court First Seat: Yao Meng/Imminent]

“I understand the First Seat part, since I granted it to Yao Meng… but what does the word ‘Imminent’ mean?”

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered with contemplation.

He raised his finger and lightly touched the First Seat title, but there was no reaction.

Hmm… It seems I can only ask Yao Meng after she leaves the Heavenly Court.

Mu Zhian stretched, closing his personal interface.

Then, he turned to look at the cold beauty lying on the bed with her eyes closed.

Yao Meng, as Mu Zhian had requested, was dressed in a sensual outfit unlike her usual attire. However, every inch of her skin emitted a faint luminescence, and she was enveloped in a celestial mist, making it difficult to see her clearly.

Previously, Yao Meng only had a wisp of consciousness, making it incredibly difficult, but under normal circumstances, for a Dao Integration expert, as long as their consciousness remained, reconstructing their body was possible at any time.

Even now, with Yao Meng’s consciousness within the Heavenly Court, if anyone other than Mu Zhian approached, she would immediately sense it.

Mu Zhian gently caressed Yao Meng’s icy, delicate face and sighed softly. “I wonder when Sister Mengrou will arrive.”

Yao Meng had already sent a Jade Pool disciple to the Two Polarities Sect to invite Wei Mengrou to the Jade Pool. However, the disciple had only left less than half a day ago, so she likely hadn’t arrived yet.

Or, should I take advantage of these few days and go to the Two Polarities Sect myself…?

Just as Mu Zhian thought this, the closed door was gently pushed open.

A gentle, melodious voice accompanied it: “Mu Lang…”

Mu Zhian looked up and saw the voluptuous beauty, Bai Ruoxi, her chest rivaling any other woman’s.

She was as cold, delicate, and beautiful as ever. If one ignored her curvaceous figure, they would only feel pity for Miss Bai.

But if one looked her over, besides pity, they would also feel the urge to bully her in bed, to make her look at them with teary eyes…

“Ruoxi…?” Mu Zhian blurted out almost instinctively.

“Why are you here?”

Bai Ruoxi didn’t answer, but looked questioningly at Yao Meng, who was ‘sleeping’ on the bed.

Then, her gentle eyes flickered, and she slowly raised her gaze to meet Mu Zhian’s.

“It seems Senior Jade Empress’s consciousness isn’t here?”