Mu Zhi’an found a shady tree near the Rebirth Pool and sat down, intending to meditate for a while.

Perhaps due to his Core Formation cultivation, his senses were heightened. Even with his eyes closed, he could hear the faint rustling of fabric and the soft whisper of skin against skin.

He focused his mind, then, holding his breath, he opened his eyes discreetly.

The Rebirth Pool shimmered before him, its water crystal clear, reflecting the swaying trees, its surface dotted with sparkling lights.

However, a sight more captivating than the pool itself drew his attention.

The Jade Empress stood before him, her back to him, her thin dress slipping slightly from her shoulder, revealing her fair skin. She untied her hair, letting it cascade down her back, then dipped her toes into the water.

Ripples spread across the surface, reflecting her alluring figure, her long hair reaching her calves, her slender form both tempting and unattainable, a faint mist obscuring her true appearance.

A faint, silver light emanated from her skin, like a celestial being bathed in moonlight.

Damn that holy light… He sighed inwardly.

She stepped into the pool, but he still couldn’t see anything, only her captivating silhouette.

He could only imagine the rest.

What kind of Dao does the Jade Pool Sacred Land cultivate? Why is everyone shrouded in holy light…? He thought, retrieving the ancient text he had borrowed from the master of the Forbidden Zone.

It detailed events from the ancient past, stories of Buddhas from the Western Regions, evil gods from the Southern Wilderness, and even the founding of the Two Polarities Sect. The information was more detailed than any other ancient texts he had seen.

However, what truly interested him was…

He flipped to the page about the Calamity Body.

“According to this text, the Calamity Body first appeared ten thousand years ago. And each appearance has coincided with the fall of a dynasty. Ten dynasties have fallen since then, all due to the Calamity Body…”

He stared at the words, his brow furrowed in thought.

“Fairy Sister, may I ask you a question?” he called out to the Jade Empress.

“Ask away,” she replied, her voice as ethereal and captivating as a dream.

“Can a dynasty’s lack of destiny directly lead to its downfall?”

Destiny was an inescapable concept in this world of cultivation. It was intangible, yet its influence was undeniable.

Even ordinary people, let alone cultivators, could sense the rise and fall of a dynasty’s fortune.

“The destiny of a royal family is represented by purple Qi. A dynasty’s prosperity can be judged by observing its purple Qi,” she explained.

She leaned against the edge of the pool, enjoying the sensation of the water revitalizing her spirit. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her voice clear and melodious. “When a nation is peaceful and prosperous, its purple Qi flourishes.” (Purple Qi – Auspicious omen in Daoism and Chinese astrology)

“The Great Qian Dynasty’s destiny is nearing its end.”

“Can a single person’s misfortune affect an entire dynasty’s destiny?” he asked, voicing his main concern.

According to the ancient text, ten dynasties had fallen since the first appearance of the Calamity Body, and each fall had coincided with its presence.

“A single person cannot influence a dynasty’s destiny, no matter how strong their misfortune,” she replied.

“Unless… they’re a Dao Integration expert.”

A Dao Integration expert…? His mind raced.

So Mengrou might not be a Calamity Body…?

If the Jade Empress was right, only a Dao Integration expert could possess misfortune potent enough to topple a dynasty.

Wei Mengrou might be talented, but she was only at the Core Formation Realm, a mere “baby orca.”

“A Dao Integration expert’s misfortune can influence the fall of a dynasty…?” he murmured, awed.

Dao Integration experts truly were capable of altering the course of history.

He glanced at the Jade Empress, his eyes filled with a newfound respect.

The thought of helping such a powerful being rebuild her body… it was exciting.

He was about to close the book when a specific phrase caught his eye.

“The first dynasty, ten thousand years ago, was known as the Great Qian Dynasty.”

The first dynasty and the current dynasty… both named “Great Qian.”

Was it a coincidence…? He quickly scanned the information about the first dynasty’s ruling family, but apart from the shared name, everything else was different.

“You fought for that girl from the Forbidden Zone today. Aren’t you worried about being challenged by other disciples once you leave this place?”

The Jade Empress’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

He closed the book, putting it away. “Zhou Hao’s challenge will deter most of them,” he replied with a smile.

After all, he had effortlessly subdued a Second Stage Core Formation cultivator. Others would think twice before challenging him.

The Jade Empress’s Pure World Azure Lotus could seal a cultivator’s vessel across realms, but its effectiveness diminished against those with higher cultivation levels.

However, how many of his peers had reached the Third Stage of Core Formation or higher?

Even within the Forbidden Zone, such individuals were rare.

“There are two Third Stage and one Fourth Stage Core Formation cultivators among the disciples. If they challenge you, your current cultivation won’t be enough to seal their vessels for long,” she warned.

“Then I’ll refuse,” he chuckled.

He wasn’t foolish enough to fight every challenger. The disciples of the Forbidden Zone might resent him because of Ye Lingxuan, but they wouldn’t dare harm him within their own territory.

She nodded, pleased. “Good. You’re not blinded by pride.”

She had witnessed countless talented individuals, some truly gifted, but their talent often led to arrogance, ultimately leading to their downfall.

However, she saw no such arrogance in Mu Zhi’an. He was adaptable and pragmatic, not one to fight pointless battles.

…

Half an hour passed quickly.

The sky darkened as dusk approached, and the Jade Empress emerged from the Rebirth Pool, her dress clinging to her figure, droplets of water glistening on her fair skin.

“Why don’t you cultivate here permanently, Fairy Sister, if the Rebirth Pool can nourish your spirit?” he asked, his gaze lingering on her alluring form.

“I need the pool’s unique energy to rebuild my body. However, for nourishing my spirit, your vessel is more effective,” she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Speaking of which, did you feel anything when those seven physique-enhancing auras entered my Innate Celestial Vessel during the trial?” he asked, remembering the incident.

He still recalled her soft, alluring moan, though it had been fleeting.

“Those auras did have some effect on me,” she replied with a smile.

“Just ‘some effect’?” he asked, puzzled.

If he hadn’t imagined it, her moan had sounded… pleasurable…

A being like her wouldn’t make such a sound unless she had been truly… stimulated…

“You ask too many questions,” she said, her smile widening, her green eyes fixed on him, a hint of danger in her gaze.

He quickly shut up, allowing her to return to his vessel.

He left the forest on his black sword.

…

As he had predicted, news of his one-move victory against Zhou Hao spread throughout the Forbidden Zone within a single afternoon.

Many had initially resented him, and even after witnessing his strength, some remained unconvinced.

However, some had accepted him.

Defeating Zhou Hao proved he was a capable cultivator.

And with Ling Long’s backing… his background was also acceptable.

…

Ye Lingxuan stood on the balcony of a magnificent building, overlooking the lush landscape of the Forbidden Zone.

The curse instilled fear in outsiders, and many had perished seeking the Rebirth Water and other treasures within its borders. Over time, it had become a forbidden land.

However, those outsiders couldn’t possibly imagine that people lived here, in this idyllic paradise.

The evening breeze ruffled her hair, and she tucked a strand behind her ear, glancing at Wei Mengrou, who was standing in a corner.

Despite her usual low profile, the results of the Rebirth Pool’s trial had made her a celebrity.

Besides…

Lingxuan glanced at her bosom, her gaze lingering on her curves, accentuated by her yellow dress, which billowed in the wind.

She sighed, comparing herself to Wei Mengrou.

The Holy Maiden of the Forbidden Zone, a goddess in the eyes of many, felt a pang of insecurity.

All the girls around Mu Zhi’an… they were all… well-endowed… even her younger sister, Qian’er.

She wasn’t exactly… flat… but compared to them…

“What’s wrong?” Wei Mengrou asked, approaching her.

Despite her usually cold and aloof demeanor, she was surprisingly perceptive.

Lingxuan quickly composed herself, forcing a smile. “It’s nothing. I’m just worried about Brother Mu.”

It wasn’t entirely a lie. She was indeed concerned about him.

His victory against Zhou Hao would deter those weaker than him, and those who doubted her judgment would be silenced.

But what about those stronger than Zhou Hao?

She wasn’t worried about him getting hurt, but she was worried about his confidence if he was defeated…

“Don’t worry,” Wei Mengrou said, her voice calm, as if she knew her thoughts. “He wouldn’t have accepted the challenge if he wasn’t confident.”

She paused, then added, “If you want to help him, focus on your inheritance and become stronger.”

Once she received the Forbidden Zone’s inheritance, she would gain access to its Heavenly Dao Aura, and she could use the opportunity to reach the peak of Foundation Establishment and break through to the Core Formation Realm.

Lingxuan nodded, her expression serious.

Wei Mengrou glanced at the figure standing below, chatting with two girls, her brow furrowing slightly. “You should be more concerned about yourself,” she remarked dryly.

“Concerned about myself…?” Lingxuan tilted her head, following her gaze.

It was Ye Qing, the girl in the blue dress, and Ye Lianxue, another girl in a green dress.

And they were talking to Mu Zhi’an.

Realization dawned, and her eyes darkened as she watched them.

She had been worried about him, about the disciples bothering him, but it seemed she had more to worry about…

There were “temptresses” targeting him even within the Forbidden Zone.

She stared at him from above, her voice flat. “Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.”

She turned and entered the building, waiting for him.

The Grand Elder had been preparing a feast to welcome her home, and she and Wei Mengrou had been brought to this magnificent building, the Azure Sky Tower.

Many disciples were already seated, enjoying the delicacies from the Forbidden Zone’s sea.

Mu Zhi’an must have encountered Ye Qing and Ye Lianxue on his way back, leading to their cheerful conversation.

However, she didn’t care about the details.

He was hers, and apart from Qian’er and Sister Ruoxi… no one else could touch him.

The future Empress of the Forbidden Zone sat in the elegantly decorated hall, her gaze fixed on the staircase, waiting for him. When she saw him approaching with the two girls, she stood up and greeted him with a bright smile.

“Brother Mu.”

Her sweet voice silenced the chattering crowd.

All eyes turned to Mu Zhi’an.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay