If Mu Zhi’an had only suspected Xiao Hua of being the Chosen One before, Xiao Shuixian’s words confirmed it. After repeated setbacks, Ye Yu’s luck had dwindled, and the Heavenly Dao had chosen a new candidate: Xiao Hua. This didn’t mean Ye Yu was completely abandoned, but the Heavenly Dao’s favor had shifted. It’s clearly targeting the new Heavenly Dao… but aren’t these Chosen Ones just convenient treasure-hunting rats? The Heavenly Dao had no self-awareness, choosing its champions based solely on talent, resulting in a strange assortment of individuals. Ye Yu was talented but impatient. Xiao Hua… although it was still too early to tell, his reaction to his defeat against Bai Ruoxi suggested he wasn’t much different.

Mu Zhi’an listened to Xiao Shuixian’s story, feigning surprise. “You suspect your brother has changed… If you told Empress Luo Tan, she wouldn’t believe you.” He glanced at Bai Ruoxi, who had just emerged from the Celestial Realm, and Xiao Hua, who was recovering after receiving the elder’s aid. “Neither of us wants to believe he’s been possessed, so we need more proof.”

Xiao Shuixian nodded, sighing inwardly. She possessed the Divine King Bone and felt indebted to her brother. She knew his feelings for her. If he’s truly changed, what should I do…?

Mu Zhi’an discreetly observed Xiao Hua, whose pale face and bloodshot eyes betrayed his inner turmoil. He noticed them whispering and glancing at him. Even in his weakened state, a sharp glint flickered in his eyes, his heart filled with resentment. Mu Zhi’an smiled gently, which only darkened Xiao Hua’s expression.

Does he think he can provoke me?If this were my past life…And Xiao Shuixian claims they’re just friends, but… His jealousy intensified, the original owner’s obsession growing stronger. He glared at Mu Zhi’an coldly.

Mu Zhi’an, sensing his hostility, knew Xiao Hua wouldn’t take this lying down. He would likely resort to an underhanded attack, like Gu Bo Xing, perhaps a curse.

He would ask Ruoxi later. She had fought Xiao Hua and should know more about his abilities.

Mu Zhi’an excused himself and went to the Ascension Stage, where Bai Ruoxi had just emerged victorious, the center of attention.

“Congratulations, Junior Sister! Our Boundless Sea Peak will receive even more resources now!”

Her senior brothers and sisters congratulated her. This Ascension Ceremony was unique, and those who reached the final stages were truly exceptional. Bai Ruoxi’s victory brought honor to Boundless Sea Peak.

“Such achievements in less than a year… Your talent is truly remarkable.”

Bai Ruoxi, however, remained humble, chatting with her fellow disciples.

She was no longer just a genius from Tianxuan City, but a rising star in the Nine Realms.

But behind her success was Mu Zhi’an’s support, something only she knew.

She knew she wouldn’t be here without him.

Thinking of this, she scanned the crowd below, her gaze meeting his.

She blushed slightly, her eyes filled with affection, and after exchanging a few words with the other disciples, she excused herself and followed him.

She sensed the trace of Spiritual Energy he had deliberately released after leaving the Ascension Stage and found him on a nearby bridge, admiring the scenery.

“Why are you out here alone, Mu Lang?” she asked softly.

“It’s quieter here.”

“Congratulations. Senior Brother Yi Hao must be proud.”

Mu Zhi’an took her hand, his voice gentle. He looked at her, her white dress blending with the snow, a hint of seductive allure now present in her usually cold and aloof demeanor, perhaps due to her recent battle and Gong Lianyue’s influence.

“I haven’t obtained what I truly want yet,” she said softly, her gaze fixed on his face.

“What do you want?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

She blushed, turning her head away, her lips pursed slightly as she looked at him with a playful resentment, not answering.

Her coquettish behavior, combined with her delicate beauty, was incredibly alluring.

Mu Zhi’an’s heart stirred as he looked at her.

“About that Xiao Hua… I did notice something strange…” Bai Ruoxi suddenly said, changing the subject, as if embarrassed by his gaze.

“You were right. He’s not the same Xiao Hua I met before… There’s a lingering obsession within him,” she said, her expression turning serious.

She had sensed it clearly during their battle in the Celestial Realm. Xiao Hua’s consciousness had been directed solely at her.

However, the reincarnated Xiao Hua hadn’t realized that his opponent was also a Chosen One, a ‘protagonist’ of this world.

“A lingering obsession…?” Mu Zhi’an’s eyes narrowed, and he quickly understood.

An obsession was different from a consciousness. It was an unfulfilled desire, a lingering regret from a past life.

He remembered Xiao Shuixian’s words and had a guess.

A reincarnator?

No, a transmigrator?

A consciousness taking over another’s body…

“You’ve been a great help, Ruoxi.”

He looked at her beautiful face, framed by her soft, flowing hair.

“I’m glad I could help… What are you going to do now? Are you going to… deal with him?” she asked curiously.

If I eliminate him directly, how can I exploit his luck and his treasure-hunting abilities…?

“I don’t like fighting. I’m not going to confront him directly,” Mu Zhi’an said.

He preferred a more… indirect approach.

…

Xiao Hua returned to his hall on the southern bank, his face dark with anger and humiliation.

First, his defeat against Bai Ruoxi, then Mu Zhi’an’s blatant mockery… Although he hadn’t said anything, his friendly chatter with Xiao Shuixian and that condescending smile… were a clear insult!

“You did well today. Her Majesty said you shouldn’t feel discouraged. Your opponent was… more than she appeared. There’s no shame in losing,” Luo Tan’s maid said gently, trying to comfort him.

Xiao Hua forced a smile, but his heart was still filled with rage.

“Fortunately, I’ve finished refining the pill, and the Nightmare is ready…”

After the maid left, his expression turned cold, and he opened his hand, revealing a perfectly round pill.

“Roar…”

A cold wind howled through the room, and a strange, one-eyed shadow appeared.

It was a Nightmare, or rather, a Void Nightmare.

It came from his past life’s world, a creature he had spent decades nurturing.

However, it didn’t recognize him as its master. Every time he used it, he had to sacrifice a portion of his life essence.

He could use it to invade a person’s dreams and devour them.

And the next day, the victim wouldn’t remember anything.

Eventually, they would be trapped in an endless slumber, unable to awaken.

He had seen Mu Zhi’an leaving the southern bank while the Jade Empress was still at the Ascension Stage. This was his chance.

“Although I’m injured, you shouldn’t have provoked me.”

He tossed the pill to the Void Nightmare, and the shadowy creature, its single eye glowing ominously, unleashed a black vortex, a chilling aura filling the room.

Then, it swallowed the pill.

This pill, containing the essence of a hundred dreams, was an offering to the Void Nightmare.

Only then would it obey his commands.

However, even after receiving his offering, the Void Nightmare remained motionless, its single eye fixed on him ominously.

A sixth-grade pill, containing a hundred dreams, wasn’t enough?!

Xiao Hua’s eyes turned cold, and he gritted his teeth, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

The blood, containing his life essence, was also devoured by the Void Nightmare.

A terrifying black vortex erupted from the creature, signifying the completion of their contract.

Although it had cost him a fifth of his life essence, Xiao Hua’s expression remained calm as he formed a hand seal, strange black runes flickering behind him.

“Devour Mu Zhi’an’s dreams, and your task will be complete.”

The wind howled, and a tear appeared in space as the Nightmare vanished into the void.

Xiao Hua’s legs buckled, and he fell to his knees, gasping for air.

He had paid the price, and the Void Nightmare would fulfill his wish.

“Even if you survive this, you’ll never reach Soul Transformation…” he chuckled, a sense of relief washing over him.

Although he had hesitated, after today’s battle with Bai Ruoxi, he had made up his mind.

He shouldn’t have provoked him.

…

Meanwhile, Mu Zhi’an returned to the quiet Garden of Heavenly Harmony.

Bai Ruoxi had gone to Boundless Sea Peak. Her victory was a significant event.

He prepared a plate of snacks and went to Lin Ling’s room, knocking gently.

There was no response.

“Lin Ling…”

Although she lived in the Garden of Heavenly Harmony, she wasn’t always there.

Ever since leaving her Celestial Realm, she had been causing chaos throughout the sect, devouring everything in sight.

The elders and peak masters were both annoyed and amused.

She was the sect’s divine beast, having been with the Sect Master for tens of thousands of years. The food she consumed was considered a blessing.

However… she didn’t like raw food and didn’t know how to cook, so everyone was curious about who prepared her meals.

Mu Zhi’an wasn’t sure if she was in her room. If not, she was probably on Two Polarities Peak. He would have to visit her later.

Everyone in the sect knew about his relationship with the Jade Empress. No one would dare to attack him openly.

Even if they were enraged, they would wait for the right opportunity.

And with the Jade Empress at the Ascension Stage, his return alone… was an opportunity.

However, he had more than one protector.

Those from other realms wouldn’t know this…

“Lin Ling—”

As he was about to knock again, the door opened, and Lin Ling, dressed in a simple white robe, her ample bosom pressed against the windowsill as she looked outside, her silver hair cascading down her back, her delicate feet dangling in the air, glanced at him, then looked away.

Then, three words appeared on the ground before her: “Who are you?”

Lin Ling was an emotional creature. When happy, she would flutter around you excitedly. And even if you teased her, she wouldn’t be angry, knowing your intentions were good.

Among Dao Integration experts, she was the only one as innocent and childlike.

And now, having been neglected for several days, she was naturally upset.

Although she went out to find food every day, and she had Wei Mengrou for company, she still felt lonely sometimes.

Mu Zhi’an set down the plate of snacks and chuckled. “I apologize, but you must know about the Ascension Ceremony, Lin Ling… I’ve been quite busy these past few days. I finally found some time to prepare these snacks for you.”

Lin Ling glared at him, her hand supporting her cheek as she turned her head away, refusing to acknowledge him.

However, after some coaxing, and the temptation of the snacks, her expression softened, and she picked up a piece of cake, taking a small bite.

“Aaa~”

The sweet taste made her smile, and she began to eat happily.

Then, she picked up another piece and placed it in his hand, writing on the table, “Here, for you. In case you get hungry during your night cultivation.”

“…Thank you, but I won’t get hungry,” Mu Zhi’an said, politely refusing.

After receiving the snacks, Lin Ling’s mood improved significantly, and Mu Zhi’an, not wanting to disturb her, simply mentioned that someone might attack him soon and asked for her protection.

Then, he left, intending to cultivate.

After all, if he stayed any longer, he might scare her.

…

“Is it here?”

After about half an hour, Mu Zhi’an suddenly heard a faint, chilling wind whistling through the void.

He slowly opened his eyes.

The space within the room seemed to distort slightly.

Whoosh!

A single eye, like a dragon’s, suddenly opened within the distorted space!

And from within that eye, an invisible creature emerged!

“So it’s something similar to Gu Bo Xing’s Dream Manipulation technique? How disappointing.”

Mu Zhi’an chuckled softly, unafraid, knowing that Lin Ling was watching over him.

“Wait, this isn’t Dream Manipulation… It’s a Nightmare.”

He suddenly realized something, and as the Void Nightmare emerged, he took out his Eight Chaos Dream Scroll.

The terrifying wind howled, like a charging army, and the Nightmare, its single eye glowing ominously, stared at him intently.

However, as the scroll unfolded, the Void Nightmare seemed to freeze, tilting its head slightly, its eye blinking as it looked at the scroll.

Then, its eye lit up.

The aura of the Innate Dao Body!

Although it wasn’t very intelligent, the Nightmare fed on dreams, and the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll could create countless dreams, even imbued with the energy of the Innate Dao Body.

To a creature like the Nightmare, the scroll was an irresistible treasure.

A black mist, mysterious and ominous, emanated from the Nightmare, its single eye glowing brighter than ever.

Mu Zhi’an looked at the creature, which resembled a floating needle, and chuckled. “You’re quite clever.”

The Eight Chaos Dream Scroll slowly descended, unfolding, revealing countless dreams within, and the black mist surrounding the Void Nightmare intensified.

“I thought it was Dream Manipulation, but it’s a Nightmare… And it can even travel through the void. This Xiao Hua is quite resourceful.”

Mu Zhi’an’s smile widened as he looked at the creature with interest.

He extended his hand towards it. “All of this will be yours, if you serve me,” he said with a smile.

He wasn’t worried about it refusing or attacking him.

After all…

He glanced at the window.

Lin Ling, holding a plate of snacks, her clear red eyes blinking, was watching the Nightmare curiously.

The Void Nightmare froze, its single eye blinking as it looked at Mu Zhi’an, then at the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll.

Buzz!

Its body trembled violently, then a black light shot out from its eye and entered Mu Zhi’an’s consciousness.

A master-servant contract. The not-very-intelligent Void Nightmare, after a moment of hesitation, submitted to the allure of the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll.

As the contract formed, a knowing smile appeared on Mu Zhi’an’s face.

He had said it before. These Chosen Ones were valuable treasure-hunting rats.

He looked at the creature, its single eye fixed on him expectantly, as if eager to enter the Eight Chaos Dream Scroll, and chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re well-fed.”

“But before that, I need you to… play a role.”

And for that, he needed to consult with Ye Qingxin about his cultivation.

…

An hour later.

“I’ll take my leave now, Senior Ye. I’ll visit you again another day,” Mu Zhi’an said, standing up after discussing his cultivation with Ye Qingxin.

“Your aura seems weaker than yesterday. Talent is important, but don’t be distracted by trivial matters and neglect your cultivation. Most geniuses I’ve met perished because of their arrogance and indulgence,” Ye Qingxin said, lecturing him.

After these past few days, her impression of him had improved considerably. She had forgiven him for his… actions in her fantasy.

And now, seeing his respectful demeanor, she couldn’t help but offer some advice.

She had sensed his depleted Spiritual Energy while guiding his cultivation earlier.

It must be because of his… activities with the Jade Empress last night.

Although his Core Formation cultivation wasn’t very helpful to a Dao Integration expert like her, she still…

But he was her Dao Companion. It wasn’t her place to interfere.

“I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Senior,” Mu Zhi’an replied sincerely, accepting her advice.

Of course, although he listened to her words, sometimes, it wasn’t his choice…

Ye Qingxin nodded, pleased by his attitude.

Although her consciousness was weak, she could still sense the significant decrease in his Spiritual Energy and could guess the reason.

She had warned him against neglecting his cultivation, not out of jealousy, but genuine concern.

As he was about to leave, she suddenly said, “Has your Innate Celestial Furnace… mutated?” Her gaze was fixed on his back, as if she could see through him.

Mu Zhi’an stopped in his tracks and turned around.

Ye Qingxin stood up and walked towards him, her long black and red dress trailing behind her, her fiery red figure ethereal and beautiful, like a witch emerging from flames, her hair adorned with faint, golden sparks.

If Yao Meng was a celestial fairy, then Ye Qingxin was a seductive enchantress, a blend of purity and allure.

She stopped before him, noticing the admiration in his eyes.

“Enjoying the view?” she asked, her voice cold. If he had looked at her like this before, she would have punished him.

However, her red eyes held no displeasure, only surprise and… a hint of excitement.

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his daze. “You’re truly breathtaking, Senior,” he said sincerely.

Denying it would be hypocritical and wouldn’t help him get closer to her.

Ye Qingxin smiled faintly, pleased by his compliment. “Your Innate Celestial Furnace seems… different from yesterday. It’s expanding…?” she asked casually, her gaze fixed on his.

She had checked his Innate Celestial Furnace before, and it had been at the Nascent Soul level. But now, it was expanding…

Although the change was subtle, since he hadn’t refined the Dao Heart Pill yet, she still noticed it.

“You can see through everything, Senior. The Jade Empress gave me a Dao Heart Pill last night,” Mu Zhi’an admitted, not hiding anything.

Ye Qingxin’s eyes lit up with interest.

She knew the pill’s effects but hadn’t expected the Jade Empress to act so quickly.

“After refining it, your Innate Celestial Furnace will be comparable to a peak Nascent Soul cultivator’s, close to Soul Transformation,” she said softly.

“But you haven’t refined it yet. Are you facing some kind of bottleneck?”

Mu Zhi’an smiled wryly. “To be honest, Senior, refining the Dao Heart Pill isn’t as simple as refining ordinary pills. I’m still a bit… confused…”

He wasn’t lying. The Dao Heart Pill was different. Ordinary pills were refined within one’s Vessel, but the Dao Heart Pill had to be merged with the Innate Celestial Furnace.

The method was naturally different.

“If I could meet with Empress Luo Tan, I’m sure she would know how to refine it. I was hoping to see her…”

Ye Qingxin pondered for a moment, then smiled. “In that case, I’ll arrange a meeting for you. I also have some matters to discuss with her.”

Mu Zhi’an hesitated, then bowed his head respectfully. “Thank you, Senior.”

A faint smile curved his lips.

The show was about to begin.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay