It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Outside the window, the rain intensified, the droplets cascading off the eaves like strings of pearls. The water splashed on the ground, enveloping the surroundings in a misty haze.

Mu Zhi’an turned his head towards the window, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. He didn’t answer immediately, choosing instead to gaze out at the rain, seemingly lost in thought.

He still didn’t know the black-robed man’s true identity. If he agreed to cooperate, it would likely involve joining forces with this mysterious figure to eliminate Ye Yu, the supposed “Chosen One.”

With Ye Yu out of the picture, and the engagement broken, manipulating Bai Ruoxi into becoming his would be a simple task.

But would it truly be that easy?

Ye Yu, as the “protagonist,” was undoubtedly blessed with immense luck and destiny. Eliminating him wouldn’t be a walk in the park.

Furthermore, it was obvious why this black-robed individual had sought him out. They must have done their research, uncovering his reputation as the notorious playboy of the Mu family. Bai Ruoxi was merely bait to lure him in.

Refusing the black-robed man’s offer carried its own risks. Firstly, he would likely attract the ire of this mysterious and powerful figure. Secondly, the man might seek out other factions in Tianxuan City to collaborate with.

After weighing the pros and cons, Mu Zhi’an finally spoke. “Who are you?”

He continued his attempt at persuasion. “A woman as exceptional as Miss Bai deserves better than to be tied down to a cripple. And she herself is unhappy with this arrangement. Eliminate Ye Yu, and she will be yours, Young Master Mu.”

“Cooperating with me is a win-win situation.”

Who the hell do you think you are.

Mu Zhi’an wiped away the sweat that had gathered on his brow, exasperated by the man’s audacity. He considered his next words carefully, then looked up with a smile. “Very well. After the deed is done, Bai Ruoxi will be mine. As for Ye Yu, he is of no use to me. You’re welcome to do with him as you please.”

The black-robed man grinned, revealing a set of pearly white teeth. He extended his hand. “You’re a smart man, Young Master Mu. A pleasure doing business with you.”

As he spoke, he discreetly withdrew the poisoned needles he had hidden in his other sleeve. Had Mu Zhi’an refused, those needles would now be embedded in his flesh.

“The pleasure is all mine.”

Mu Zhi’an clasped the black-robed man’s hand.

“I’ll be in touch in the next few days with further instructions, Young Master,” the man said, his cold gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an. “Until then.”

“Consider it a mutually beneficial partnership,” Mu Zhi’an replied with a warm smile.

He watched as the black-robed man departed, his expression turning serious once he was alone.

That man was a Core Formation Realm cultivator. There was no doubt he was part of a faction operating outside of Tianxuan City. While Mu Zhi’an had no idea why they were interested in Ye Yu, he knew he had to tread carefully.

As for agreeing to cooperate, at least for now, it didn’t seem to pose any threat to the Mu family.

However, it wouldn’t hurt to take some precautions. Mu Zhi’an thought for a moment, then looked towards a cabinet to his left. “You can come out now, Mengrou.”

As if on cue, a slender figure emerged from behind the cabinet.

The woman wore a plain dress, her ample bosom straining against the fabric. A strand of hair had fallen loose, framing her delicate, yet cold, features. Her gaze was fixed intently on Mu Zhi’an.

“Thank you for your assistance, Mengrou,” Mu Zhi’an said, turning to face Wei Mengrou with a smile.

The black-robed man’s intelligence network had failed him. He’d assumed he’d uncovered everything there was to know about the Mu family, but he hadn’t anticipated that they would assign a Core Formation Realm expert as a mere servant to protect their young master.

Had the man attempted anything rash, he would have faced Wei Mengrou’s wrath before he could even blink.

In short, the black-robed man had only seen the tip of the iceberg. He’d assumed Mu Zhi’an was on the first level, while he himself was on the second. In reality, Mu Zhi’an was playing on the fifth.

It was precisely because he knew Wei Mengrou was nearby that Mu Zhi’an had dared to converse so calmly with the black-robed man.

“That man… he’s strong,” Wei Mengrou said quietly, her gaze following the path the black-robed man had taken.

Mu Zhi’an glanced at the curvaceous maid. “If you’d attacked, would you have been able to stop him?”

“Thirty percent chance of success,” Wei Mengrou replied. She turned to look at Mu Zhi’an, noticing his surprised expression. “Sixty percent if I was serious.”

“And even if he escaped, he wouldn’t make it out of the Mu Manor,” she added. “Elder Ren is waiting outside.”

Mu Zhi’an nodded slowly.

Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Soul Transformation, Dao Integration—these were the six major realms of cultivation in this world. Each realm represented a significant leap in power.

Elder Ren was at the seventh level of the Core Formation Realm. If he chose to intervene, the black-robed man wouldn’t stand a chance.

However, there was no need to resort to that just yet. Until they uncovered the man’s identity and his motives for targeting Ye Yu, it was best not to alert him to their suspicions.

“What are you planning to do?” Wei Mengrou asked. “Help him eliminate Ye Yu?”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “I need to find out who that man is and why he’s interested in a cripple like Ye Yu. There must be something more to this than meets the eye. Otherwise, there would be no need to involve a Core Formation Realm expert.”

“I’ll have someone look into it,” Wei Mengrou said with a nod. “What about Bai Ruoxi?”

“She must have already asked for your help, hasn’t she?”

Mu Zhi’an smiled. “She did. But I’ll need to see what the Bai family is willing to offer in return.”

“Like offering you Bai Ruoxi as a concubine?” Wei Mengrou asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “Bai Ruoxi doesn’t interest me in the slightest.”

Women would only hinder his cultivation progress.

“Right.”

Wei Mengrou didn’t bother hiding her disbelief. She looked at the handsome young man before her and said, “I’ll be waiting for you at the training grounds.”

It was clear that Mu Zhi’an’s past actions had made it impossible for her to take him seriously.

Mu Zhi’an simply smiled in response. There was no need for further explanation.

Wei Mengrou would soon learn that he was telling the truth.

He had absolutely no interest in the so-called most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City!