Convincing Luo Tan to refine the Supreme Void Pill seemed impossible, based on the Demon Realm Empress’s words.

However, there was no such thing as an impossible deal… At least, in Mu Zhi’an’s opinion, Luo Tan’s refusal simply meant he hadn’t offered her a tempting enough deal yet.

And he couldn’t offer her anything valuable right now.

He only had two things of value: the Primordial Demon Emperor’s Heavenly Phoenix Manual and his own Innate Celestial Furnace.

However, before reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, his Innate Celestial Furnace’s benefits for Dao Integration cultivators were limited. Even though it had been enhanced multiple times, it was still just a Core Formation Furnace. It couldn’t provide much help to a Dao Integration expert.

As for his nightly ‘contributions’ to Yao Meng, it was more like a form of… entertainment. Although it provided her Vessel with some Spiritual Energy, it was far from enough to fill it.

A Dao Integration cultivator’s Vessel was essentially a Celestial Realm, and within that Celestial Realm was a vast ocean.

Trying to fill an ocean with the Spiritual Energy from his Innate Celestial Furnace… unless he reached the Nascent Soul Realm, or even Soul Transformation, it was impossible.

Of course, Mu Zhi’an still diligently ‘contributed’, determined to help Yao Meng fill her Vessel.

He stood up and stretched. Although Wei Mengrou’s lap was comfortable, the Ascension Ceremony matches were about to begin, and he had somewhere to be.

“I’m going out, Mengrou. You should head back.”

Mu Zhi’an summoned his flying sword.

“Where are you going?” Wei Mengrou asked, her eyes filled with a hint of concern.

“I have something to discuss with Pavilion Master Yan,” Mu Zhi’an replied with a smile, glancing at her. “Good luck with your match today. My future depends on you.”

Wei Mengrou glanced at him disdainfully. “I’ll do my best, but you should also behave yourself. Do you remember what happened at the auction?”

“If you hadn’t been flirting with so many girls, none of that would have happened.”

“You don’t think I would… sell myself for the Supreme Void Pill, do you…?” Mu Zhi’an saw through her thoughts.

Then, he waved his hand dismissively. “Even if I wanted to, they might not be interested. My Core Formation Innate Celestial Furnace is useless to a Dao Integration expert.”

Wei Mengrou nodded silently.

He was right. Although her young master was a womanizer, a Dao Integration Empress wouldn’t stoop to such a level just for his Innate Celestial Furnace… She had been overthinking.

…

Book Pavilion.

After inquiring with the disciples nearby, Mu Zhi’an learned that Yan Ruyu was entertaining a guest on the top floor, so he waited patiently outside.

Suddenly, Yan Ruyu’s clear and melodious voice came from within. “Come in. Princess Yongning isn’t an outsider.”

Mu Zhi’an straightened his collar and entered, seeing Yan Ruyu writing something.

Her black robe accentuated her alluring figure, her wide sleeves flowing gracefully around her. Her lips were full and rosy, her appearance a blend of youthful innocence and mature charm.

Although I should call her Master, she feels more like a kind older sister… Despite his usual indifference towards women, Mu Zhi’an couldn’t help but have some… inappropriate thoughts.

Another woman sat beside Yan Ruyu.

She wore a light gold dress and a warm snow-white jacket, her hair neatly styled with a jade hairpin, her face delicate and beautiful.

Princess Yongning looked up and smiled gracefully. “Young Master Mu.”

“Princess Yongning is also here… I hope I’m not interrupting,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile.

Yan Ruyu glanced at him and chuckled. “There’s no need to be so formal. Yongning isn’t an outsider. Just relax and be yourself.”

If I were at home, I would be cuddling with Ruoxi right now… Mu Zhi’an glanced at Yan Ruyu’s beautiful face, then quickly looked away.

After all, there were others present. He had to maintain his image.

“What are you writing, Pavilion Master Yan?” Mu Zhi’an asked, feigning curiosity.

“A letter of recommendation,” Princess Yongning replied with a smile.

Although she was only twenty-three, the Princess Royal exuded an air of maturity and elegance.

“A letter of recommendation…?”

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes were filled with curiosity.

“During every sect examination, members of the Imperial family can enter the sect without taking the test. Sister Yan is recommending a member of the Imperial family,” Princess Yongning explained with a smile.

Mu Zhi’an nodded thoughtfully and waited patiently, his gaze occasionally drifting towards the elegant princess. Her posture was perfect, her hands clasped together on her lap, her back straight, accentuating her curves.

“Princess Yongning, is the person Pavilion Master Yan is recommending… someone close to you?” Mu Zhi’an suddenly asked through voice transmission.

Using voice transmission with someone he had only met a few times was a bit presumptuous, but Princess Yongning didn’t seem to mind. She simply smiled at him and said, “You must have obtained some information from Miss Manting, Young Master Mu.”

This woman has been investigating me… Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice, “Why are you so interested in the Two Polarities Sect, Your Highness? You’re a woman.”

The Third Prince had been one of Princess Yongning’s informants within the sect, reporting to her regularly. After he was expelled and confined in the capital… she must have investigated the reasons.

Princess Yongning chuckled. “The Two Polarities Sect is a highly respected faction in the Eastern Realm. Life in the palace is boring. Knowing what’s happening in the outside world helps pass the time.”

“But the girl beside you is quite ruthless. Ning Long thought he would be free after three years, but he ended up being confined for ten.”

Mu Zhi’an’s eyes flickered. “Did someone else go to the Great Qian Dynasty?”

“The Forbidden Zone’s Holy Maiden. Her servant said Ning Long had harassed her in the sect, and my father was furious, so he extended his confinement to ten years,” Princess Yongning replied through voice transmission.

The Forbidden Zone… Mu Zhi’an instantly understood.

I didn’t expect Lingxuan, who seems so pure and innocent, to be so decisive… Mu Zhi’an transmitted his voice, “The next sect examination is still two years away. Even with Pavilion Master Yan’s recommendation, no other member of the Imperial family will be able to enter the sect this year.”

Princess Yongning didn’t answer, tacitly confirming his words.

“Have you considered using an outsider as your informant, Your Highness?” Mu Zhi’an asked through voice transmission.

Princess Yongning’s beautiful eyes, sharp and intelligent, glanced at him. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she replied through voice transmission, “Are you referring to…?”

“Me.”

Princess Yongning narrowed her eyes. “You’re willing to help me…?”

“You don’t seem to have a good impression of the Great Qian Dynasty, Young Master Mu.”

Gu Bo Xing had just caused trouble for him, and yesterday, both the Jade Pool Holy Land and the Forbidden Zone had visited the Great Qian Dynasty… And if he remembered correctly, he knew people in both factions.

It was hard not to make connections.

Logically, Mu Zhi’an shouldn’t have any positive feelings towards the Great Qian Dynasty… So why was he offering to help her?

“The Great Qian Dynasty is the Great Qian Dynasty, and the Imperial Advisor is the Imperial Advisor,” Mu Zhi’an said, looking at the elegant princess with a smile.

“And Your Highness is… a woman I’ve always admired.”

“I can provide you with any information about the Two Polarities Sect. And if you need any help in the future, I’ll assist you.”

“The Great Qian Dynasty’s court is a dangerous place. Without a strong backing, it’s difficult to achieve anything.”

Mu Zhi’an paused, looking at her meaningfully. “But I can be your backing, Your Highness.”

A glint of interest appeared in Princess Yongning’s eyes, but she didn’t respond, her gaze downcast, seemingly lost in thought.

After a while, Yan Ruyu finished writing the letter of recommendation and handed it to Princess Yongning, who thanked her with a smile, accepting the letter. She looked at Mu Zhi’an intently.

Then, she smiled. “It seems you two have something to discuss. I’ll leave you to it.”

Mu Zhi’an watched as she left, and Yan Ruyu, glancing at his handsome face, chuckled. “She’s gone. Stop staring.”

Then, she continued, “What did you want to ask me? Don’t you have a match soon?”

“Can’t I visit you if there’s nothing wrong, Pavilion Master Yan?” Mu Zhi’an asked with a smile.

Yan Ruyu rolled her eyes playfully, her mature charm evident.

Mu Zhi’an’s smile faded slightly. “I do have something I wanted to ask you.”

“I’ve heard that the Great Qian Dynasty’s fate is connected to the cultivators of the Eastern Realm. Is that true?”

Yan Ruyu looked at him in surprise. “You even know about that?”

Then, she nodded slightly. “The Great Qian Dynasty’s territory covers most of the Eastern Realm. Its fate does affect the Eastern Realm’s cultivators. They’re interconnected. It’s not… crucial, but it does have some impact on cultivation.”

“However, in recent years, the Great Qian Dynasty’s fate has been declining, so its influence on Eastern Realm cultivators is negligible.”

“But even so, the sect wouldn’t normally interfere in the dynasty’s affairs. After all, the rise and fall of dynasties is a natural cycle,” Yan Ruyu added.

“If the dynasty falls, and a new one emerges, during that period, the Eastern Realm’s cultivators won’t receive any benefits from the dynasty’s fate?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

Yan Ruyu nodded slightly.

“Unless the old Emperor abdicates and a wise ruler takes his place.” She shook her head inwardly. “But the current Crown Prince… isn’t particularly suitable for the throne.”

She had met the Crown Prince twice before. Although he seemed approachable, he wasn’t very capable.

Mu Zhi’an fell silent, lost in thought.

After discussing the Great Qian Dynasty with Yan Ruyu for a while longer, he excused himself and left, flying towards the southern bank on his sword.

…

The Giant Spirit Hall was located in the southern part of the Two Polarities Sect. Within this hall were several Celestial Realms, and the Empress of Yu State, who had been invited to observe the Ascension Ceremony, was currently residing there.

After learning of Luo Tan’s whereabouts, Mu Zhi’an flew to the Giant Spirit Hall. However, as he approached the entrance, he saw a maid in a palace dress standing there, a smile on her face. “Young Master Mu, Her Majesty isn’t here today. Please come back another time.”

Is she Luo Tan’s maid…? Mu Zhi’an approached her calmly. “May I ask who you are…?”

The maid smiled. “I’m Her Majesty’s maid. If you wish to see her, Young Master Mu, please attend the alchemy competition. You’ll be able to meet her then.”

It seems she doesn’t want to see anyone for now… Mu Zhi’an didn’t press further. He bowed respectfully and left on his sword.

He wasn’t in a hurry about the Supreme Void Pill. After all, he had the Demon Realm Empress’s treasure to conceal demonic aura. He didn’t have to worry about Bai Ruoxi’s demonic aura being exposed.

Besides, it would take time to gather the ingredients for the Supreme Void Pill.

Right now, his personal safety was more important…

Mu Zhi’an flew towards the Ascension Stage, the venue for the Ascension Ceremony matches.

Meanwhile, he opened his personal interface and glanced at it.

He had obtained many titles, each providing a significant boost to his abilities, allowing him to develop the Chaos Body.

However, the pink ‘Heaven’s Chosen Female Lead’ title still made him feel a bit sad…

“Although the female lead is also a protagonist, it’s not what I had in mind,” Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly.

And what was with the small green teacup icon behind the title, steam seemingly rising from it?

What is this green tea symbol implying…? He complained inwardly, then he looked at the two ‘Reincarnator’ titles on his interface, his eyes thoughtful.

“Primordial Witch, you said you gave me my personal interface. Then you’re also the reincarnator, right?” he asked mentally.

He had suspected there might be more than one reincarnator.

However, he hadn’t sensed anything unusual from the ‘protagonists’ around him.

Logically, if they were reincarnators, their feelings towards him should be more… intense. But Bai Ruoxi, Ye Lingxuan, and even Senior Sister Lan’s attitudes hadn’t changed.

The Primordial Witch didn’t answer. She seemed to be sleeping, so Mu Zhi’an didn’t disturb her.

The area around the Ascension Stage was filled with cultivators, their voices echoing through the air. Mu Zhi’an arrived at his destination and, collecting his thoughts, he landed gracefully.

His gaze fell upon a distant arena.

A cold and aloof woman in a moon-white dress, her aura as pure as moonlight, stood there.

She seemed to be the center of attention, but Lan Mulian, her face as cold as ice, seemed oblivious to the gazes upon her, her eyes fixed on her opponent.

Her aura was calm and steady, while her opponent’s Spiritual Energy was fluctuating wildly, his breathing ragged as he clutched his chest, his eyes fixed on the beautiful woman in white.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay