The Forbidden Zone.

The mere mention of this place filled most cultivators with dread and fear.

And the reason was simple: the curse.

Even Nascent Soul cultivators who entered the Forbidden Zone met with mysterious deaths.

As a result, many cultivators trembled at the mere mention of its name.

…

Mu Zhi’an was chatting with Wei Mengrou when he saw a massive silver dragon swoop down into the courtyard, dropping a struggling white egret onto the ground.

Then, she transformed into a beautiful silver-haired woman.

“Sister Lin Ling, where did you get this…?” he asked, staring at the egret in bewilderment.

“Aaaa~” she sang, pointing at the bird.

She wants me to make soup…? After spending so much time with her, he had become somewhat proficient in understanding her vocalizations.

He couldn’t explain it. Perhaps it was a result of their close bond.

He studied the egret. Its feathers were pure white, its body seemingly infused with the essence of the sun and moon.

And it looked quite plump.

He frowned, a strange expression crossing his face.

“A Sun-Moon Egret…” he murmured.

It was one of the egrets from the Enforcement Hall… she had… “borrowed” it.

After a moment of hesitation, he nodded, meeting her expectant gaze. “Wait a moment. I’ll prepare it right away.”

Offending Lin Ling, the Spirit Dragon, was far worse than offending the Hall Master of the Enforcement Hall.

She nodded happily, then sat down, swinging her legs idly as she waited for her meal.

…

He returned with a bowl of fragrant egret soup, her eyes lighting up as she grabbed a spoon.

She tilted her head, noticing he was simply watching her, and wrote on the table: “Aren’t you eating?”

He shook his head, forcing a smile. “I’m content just watching you eat, Sister Lin Ling.”

Her eyes softened, touched by his gesture.

These days, selfless people who cooked for her without expecting anything in return were rare. He was the first.

He sighed. “I’m going to the Forbidden Zone in a month. I might be gone for a while. Take care of yourself, Sister Lin Ling.”

She stared at him, her expression thoughtful, then picked up a piece of meat and offered it to him.

He shook his head. “No, thank you. I’m not hungry.”

“Aaaa~” She insisted, placing the meat in his mouth.

He was stunned, then chuckled, chewing the tender meat. He watched her eat, then reached out, gently stroking her silver hair.

She looked up at him, her crimson eyes questioning.

“It’s nothing. Don’t mind me. I just wanted to touch your hair,” he said, withdrawing his hand.

This is bad. She’s so cute… He stared at her, his heart pounding. He knew he shouldn’t… but she was so adorable… he wanted to…

She suddenly wrote something on the table.

He glanced at the words: “Don’t even think about it. I can sense it.”

I almost forgot. Senior Sister mentioned that she could sense malicious intent…

But this isn’t malicious intent. It’s just… affection… He thought, watching her finish her meal, then left the Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

He planned to visit Ye Lingxuan, then return to meditate.

…

As he was leaving, he heard a faint voice calling his name.

Lin Ling looked towards the source of the voice.

It was coming from… Two Polarities Peak!

…

He reached the Jade Glass Palace, ignoring the disciples chatting and strolling in the plaza, and entered the Ye sisters’ residence.

He heard an argument, one of the voices laced with impatience and annoyance.

Lingxuan wouldn’t argue with Qian’er. It must be someone else…

He entered the courtyard and saw Ye Lingxuan confronting three strangers, her voice cold and distant. “Didn’t I say I’ll return in half a month? Why are you here?”

He recognized one of them: Zhou Hao, the prodigy from the Forbidden Zone.

Beside him stood a woman in a revealing red dress, her aura alluring and seductive.

And the man leading them, though dressed plainly and appearing elderly, possessed a powerful aura that couldn’t be ignored.

He’s at least a Nascent Soul cultivator… He assessed the man instantly.

He listened to their conversation, quickly understanding the situation.

They were supposed to depart for the Forbidden Zone half a month before the inheritance ceremony, but the elders, seemingly worried, had sent them early to retrieve their young mistress.

However, she refused to leave so soon. She didn’t want to be separated from her sister, and she hadn’t informed Mu Zhi’an yet.

“We’ll discuss this in half a month,” she said, her voice flat.

“Young Mistress, the inheritance is a crucial matter. Delaying it could be problematic,” Zhou Hao said, trying to persuade her.

“The ceremony doesn’t start for another month, and it lasts for nearly six months. What exactly will be delayed?” she retorted, glaring at him.

She wasn’t the only one eligible for the inheritance. All the talented disciples of their generation could participate, but only she could truly inherit the position of master.

However, the other disciples could still benefit from the inheritance.

“You’re simply trying to prevent Brother Mu from accompanying me,” she said, seeing through their intentions.

Disciples who wanted to leave the Two Polarities Sect for extended periods had to inform the Enforcement Hall, and the approval process could take a few days.

If she agreed to leave tomorrow, Mu Zhi’an wouldn’t have enough time to obtain permission.

As for how they knew about the Two Polarities Sect’s procedures, it was obvious Zhou Hao had been gathering information.

Zhou Hao, unfazed by her accusation, chuckled. “I’m simply concerned about your inheritance, Young Mistress. I have nothing against anyone.”

“This matter is of great importance. Please reconsider, Young Mistress,” the elder said, his gaze shifting to Mu Zhi’an.

“What are your thoughts, young friend?”

Zhou Hao and the woman in the red dress noticed Mu Zhi’an, clad in a black and gold robe, standing at the entrance, a faint smile on his face.

“So this is Mu Zhi’an…” the woman murmured, her eyes narrowed.

Many in the Forbidden Zone had been discussing him after Zhou Cang’s expulsion, some female cultivators even expressing curiosity about the man who had captured their young mistress’s heart. Liu Honghuai, the woman in red, was one of them.

He’s handsome, and his talent… Core Formation Realm… not bad.

But he’s still far inferior to our young mistress.

What does she see in him?

As she pondered this question, Mu Zhi’an approached them, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Hao and the elder before lingering on Liu Honghuai for a moment. He then looked away, his demeanor polite and composed.

“Do you know me, Sister?” he asked, deliberately avoiding her gaze.

She chuckled. “You’re quite famous in the Forbidden Zone. After all, you’re the first to be so close to our young mistress.”

It seems Zhou Cang badmouthed me quite a bit… “I wasn’t aware of her identity at first, Sister. And my feelings for her haven’t changed,” he said humbly, his gaze softening as he turned to Ye Lingxuan.

She blushed slightly, though she maintained her composure.

Zhou Hao noticed her reaction, his eyes narrowing. “Young Master Mu, Elder Zhou came to invite our young mistress back to the Forbidden Zone, but she refused because of you. What do you think we should do?”

“I respect Lingxuan’s decision,” he replied with a smile.

Respect her decision? She’s only staying because of you! And you’re acting like you have nothing to do with it… Zhou Hao fumed inwardly, glaring at him.

“Her inheritance is a crucial matter. If it’s delayed and something goes wrong, we’ll all be held responsible,” he said, his voice laced with a warning.

Mu Zhi’an was taken aback. “Shouldn’t you be discussing this with Lingxuan, not me?”

“Besides, I heard the inheritance ceremony lasts for six months. Isn’t that enough time?” he added.

He turned to Liu Honghuai. “How long does it usually take to receive the inheritance, Sister?”

She seemed to enjoy his form of address, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “About a month. Two at most.”

He turned back to Zhou Hao. “You seem to be overly concerned, Brother Zhou.”

The elder, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. “Her situation is unique. The inheritance’s duration can’t be judged by ordinary standards. That’s why I came early to retrieve her.”

Mu Zhi’an pondered his words for a moment. “You make a valid point, Senior. However, what did the master of the Forbidden Zone say?”

The elder hesitated. “He didn’t say anything.”

“Then aren’t you being a bit hasty?”

“Brother Mu, there’s no need to argue with them. I’ve made up my mind. We’ll leave in half a month,” Ye Lingxuan said coldly.

She knew they disapproved of her relationship with Mu Zhi’an.

However, she couldn’t imagine leaving him now.

If she was strong enough to inherit the Forbidden Zone’s throne, she would even bring him there.

She couldn’t pinpoint what she found so appealing about him. He was a flirt, a schemer, and a shameless teaser, but she didn’t want to be apart from him.

As for the reason… she didn’t know, nor did she care to find out.

“I have other matters to attend to in two days. If you’re not coming with us, Young Mistress, then we’ll have to send someone else in half a month,” the elder said.

“It won’t be a problem for you, but this young friend… without our protection, he might not survive the curse.”

To outsiders, the Forbidden Zone was a dangerous place, but to those born within its borders, the curse was harmless.

However, without their protection, Mu Zhi’an would be vulnerable.

“Young Mistress, it’s not that we don’t want to delay our departure, but Elder Zhou has to leave soon. There are only a few in the Forbidden Zone who can bestow immunity to the curse, and he’s one of them,” Zhou Cang added.

“Without his protection, Young Master Mu might not survive.”

He turned to Mu Zhi’an, a mocking smile on his face. “Or do you have a way to withstand the curse yourself, Young Master Mu?”

His meaning was clear: if you’re capable, accompany her in half a month. If not, request permission from the Enforcement Hall and leave tomorrow.

Liu Honghuai frowned, her voice laced with disapproval. “It’s unrealistic to expect a newly ascended Core Formation cultivator to enter the Forbidden Zone alone. Even you struggled to reach the inner regions back then.”

“That’s why we’re discussing this with Young Master Mu. If he can obtain permission from the Enforcement Hall, we can leave tomorrow morning,” Zhou Hao said with a smile. “We’re reasonable people.”

She rolled her eyes, choosing not to comment.

She had spent a few years at the Two Polarities Sect and knew how strict the Enforcement Hall was. Newly accepted disciples needed to go through a lengthy process to obtain permission to leave the mountain.

Trips longer than two months required the approval of either the Hall Master or the Vice Hall Master.

However, they were elusive figures, rarely seen.

But Mu Zhi’an’s situation was unique. It was rare for a disciple to request a month-long leave less than six months after joining the sect.

“I’ll leave in half a month,” Ye Lingxuan said calmly.

“As for the curse… I’ll handle it.”

The Dragon Soaring Tendon resided within her, and after being nourished by Rebirth Water, its benefits were becoming apparent.

She was practically a walking source of Rebirth Water, and its effects were even stronger than the original.

She could use some special techniques to protect Mu Zhi’an from the curse if necessary.

“Young Mistress, you’ll be fine, but Young Master Mu…” Zhou Hao said, his gaze lingering on Mu Zhi’an.

He hadn’t expected her to agree to leave tomorrow. He had convinced his grandfather to come early simply to intimidate Mu Zhi’an.

During their journey to the Forbidden Zone, they would control his fate.

After all, he needed Elder Zhou’s protection to survive the curse.

In other words, he was at their mercy.

He didn’t know how Mu Zhi’an had deceived his young mistress, but seeing her lover’s weakness would surely disappoint her.

It might not be enough, but if they could weaken Mu Zhi’an’s presence a few more times, she would eventually see his true nature.

And then… he would have a chance to win her heart!

“How about this? We’ll wait a few days until Young Master Mu’s request is approved,” the elder suggested with a smile.

“What do you think, young friend?”

They had achieved their objective. There was no need to push further.

Their goal hadn’t been to force her to leave tomorrow, but to undermine Mu Zhi’an.

He saw through their intentions, but he didn’t care. “Since you’re in such a hurry to return, why don’t you leave now?” he asked calmly.

“As for me, don’t worry. I’ll handle it myself.”

“You have a way to withstand the curse, Young Master Mu?” Zhou Hao asked, his voice laced with mockery.

“Lingxuan might be immune, but that doesn’t mean you are. If something happens to you, and Senior Ling Long blames us…”

“I’ll take responsibility for my actions. You needn’t worry,” he interrupted.

“I have a way to deal with the curse. I know you don’t want me to go to the Forbidden Zone, but…”

He turned to Ye Lingxuan, his gaze meeting hers. “For Lingxuan, I’ll face the master of the Forbidden Zone.”

His voice was firm, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.

She smiled, her heart filled with warmth.

Zhou Hao glared at them, his anger simmering beneath his calm facade. “So you’re planning to meet with the master, Young Master Mu?”

“He’s my future father-in-law. I have to meet him eventually, don’t I?” he replied with a smile.

“The master is a busy man. He might not have time to see you. And he might not even acknowledge your relationship with Lingxuan,” Zhou Hao said, frowning.

“That’s a family matter. You needn’t worry, Brother Zhou,” Mu Zhi’an chuckled.

His casual dismissal fueled Zhou Hao’s anger. “You’re acting like you’re part of the family now, Young Master Mu.”

The elder chuckled. “The Forbidden Zone values not only talent, but also status and compatibility. You might have Senior Ling Long’s backing, but will she truly support you?”

“Enough!” Ye Lingxuan snapped. “My relationship with Brother Mu is none of your business. If you continue to harass us, leave now.”

The elder bowed his head respectfully.

Zhou Hao glanced at Mu Zhi’an, a smug smile on his face.

You might have Ling Long’s backing, but would she truly intervene for you?

After all, would a proud being like her be involved with a mere cultivator?

Even he, a Third Stage Core Formation cultivator who practiced a Second-Rank technique unique to the Forbidden Zone, felt inadequate in her presence. What made Mu Zhi’an think he was worthy?

Besides, though the master of the Forbidden Zone hadn’t said anything about their relationship, the elders had hinted at his displeasure.

Even if Mu Zhi’an went to the Forbidden Zone, he wouldn’t be able to meet the master.

Mu Zhi’an listened to their words, shaking his head inwardly.

These prodigies from ancient families seemed to believe that love required compatibility in status and power.

They didn’t understand that true love transcended such superficial matters.

With Ye Lingxuan’s background, finding someone of equal standing was impossible. If her father truly cared for her, he would simply want her to be happy.

Mu Zhi’an might be a playboy, but he treated the women around him well, showering them with gifts and affection.

“If you possessed the talent of your maid, the master might consider meeting you. But with your meager Core Formation cultivation, you’re not qualified,” Zhou Cang said after a moment of silence.

The air in the courtyard suddenly stilled.

The elder felt a wave of pressure, a dangerous aura, but he couldn’t pinpoint its source.

Then, a voice, ethereal and captivating, echoed through the air.

“If he’s not qualified, then am I?”

Under the elder’s stunned gaze, a wisp of consciousness emerged from Mu Zhi’an’s body.

A fairy, clad in a flowing green dress, materialized before them.

Her beauty was ethereal, her figure slender and graceful, her aura as pure and distant as the moon, as if she belonged in a celestial palace.

Even as a mere wisp of consciousness, her presence was intimidating.

The stronger the cultivator, the more acutely they felt her power.

Only a Soul Transformation or Dao Integration expert could possess such an aura!

But there were only a handful of Dao Integration experts in the Eastern Realm, and he had never met her before…

He stared at her, his heart pounding, then a name escaped his lips.

“The Jade Empress?!”

The Jade Empress…?

Zhou Hao and Liu Honghuai also stared at her, their eyes wide with shock.

The elders had often spoken of the Jade Empress of the Jade Pool Sacred Land, a being on par with the master of the Forbidden Zone… but why was she here…?

As their minds raced, the elder suddenly looked up.

A silver-haired woman in a plain robe descended from the sky, landing gracefully.

Her features were delicate and beautiful, her crimson eyes sparkling like stars, her aura seemingly innocent and harmless.

However, the sight of her filled him with an urge to bow, as if he were a mere mortal before a god.

Only two beings within the Two Polarities Sect could evoke such a reaction…

It was Lin Ling, the Spirit Dragon!

“Sister Lin Ling, why are you here…?”

Mu Zhi’an was also surprised. She should be enjoying her snacks… why was she here?

She looked up, her gaze fixed on a distant point, her usually bright eyes filled with a newfound depth.

For the first time, she spoke, her voice soft and clear.

“I want to see him.”

As her words echoed through the air, a golden light shot towards the sky, enveloping the Eastern Realm, eclipsing the afternoon sun.

The clouds churned violently, and her voice, amplified by an unknown force, reached every corner of the Eastern Realm, penetrating even the barrier surrounding the Forbidden Zone.

Her calm, melodic voice reached the deepest recesses of the Forbidden Zone!

And in the depths of the Forbidden Zone, a man slowly opened his eyes.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay