Silence fell over the hall.

Mu Zhian’s expression remained calm, not even glancing at Huang Weifeng, his hands clasped behind his back, as if the figure beneath his foot was a mere ant.

Huang Weifeng, who had been quite handsome before, now looked disheveled and pale, his hair messy.

The surrounding cultivators stared at the scene in shock.

“Peak Core Formation, yet capable of unleashing an attack comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator… The Jade Empress must have given him some pointers.”

“With a Transcendence Realm wife, his cultivation will naturally be smooth sailing. The Jade Empress must have given him all her resources.”

Several cultivators who had been watching from the sidelines whispered amongst themselves.

Lan Chuan glanced at the disheveled Huang Weifeng and shook his head. “A Core Formation Rank 5 cultivator, where did he get the courage to challenge Young Master Mu? I’ll have someone take him away and interrogate him, see why he dared to cause trouble in my Lan family.”

He then looked at Mu Zhian with a smile. “Young Master Mu, please go and cultivate.”

His tone clearly indicated his desire to befriend Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian naturally accepted his goodwill, smiling. “Then I’ll have to trouble you.”

“This is a matter for my Lan family to handle. I apologize for causing you trouble, Young Master Mu.”

Lan Chuan waved his hand, his smile widening.

This Mu Zhian was just as rumored, easy to get along with. No wonder the two young ladies were fond of him.

Although there was a significant difference in their realms, Mu Zhian’s current value wasn’t just based on his cultivation or talent.

Their conversation reached the ears of the nearby cultivators, and many sighed inwardly. If it weren’t for the wrong time, they would also try to befriend Mu Zhian.

Why do I feel like every time a Chosen One appears, I become the villain…?

Is this also the Heavenly Dao’s scheme?

Mu Zhian, sensing the admiring gazes and the sparkling eyes of some female cultivators, complained inwardly.

According to the original script, Huang Weifeng should have offended the Lan family, and their Rank 8 genius would have challenged him, only to be defeated.

After defeating him, Huang Weifeng would then face him, Mu Zhian, the initial ‘villain.’

The current Huang Weifeng naturally couldn’t defeat Mu Zhian, but he could summon his ‘golden finger’ and win.

Then, it would be the classic scenario of ‘after the small fry comes the big boss.’

A Lan family elder would intervene, and Huang Weifeng would use his golden finger to escape… Then, the next day, rumors of his conflict with the Lan family would spread throughout the Eastern Continent.

This way, Huang Weifeng’s name would become widely known. He would offend many powerful families, constantly fight strong opponents, discover ancient ruins, hone his skills, and eventually reach the Dao Integration realm.

Unfortunately, although the Heavenly Dao’s script was good, Mu Zhian wasn’t the same Mu Zhian anymore.

He had evolved from a ‘villain’ to a… master of manipulation, the ‘Chosen Heroine.’

Of course, to the Nine Provinces, or rather, to the Heavenly Dao, Mu Zhian was still the villain, the stepping stone.

But he no longer wanted to change his role.

Being a villain was quite good, after all. He had people… fawning over him wherever he went…

He usually had to cling to Ruoxi, the Jade Empress, and the others, but now, even when he went out alone, he was admired by many. It was quite interesting.

Mu Zhian watched as Lan Chuan reached out to grab the unconscious Huang Weifeng, who was lying on the ground like a dead dog.

“Fellow Daoist, mercy begets mercy. Spare his life.”

A gentle, aged voice suddenly echoed from the void.

A spatial rift appeared in the hall, and a withered hand reached out, intending to take the unconscious Huang Weifeng away.

Lan Chuan immediately reacted, his eyes cold, and unleashed his spiritual energy, punching towards the withered hand.

The withered hand simply waved dismissively.

Hum!

Their attacks collided, the void trembling, and Lan Chuan stumbled back several steps, his arm numb.

He stared at the withered hand in the spatial rift, his voice deep. “May I ask who Senior is? And what is your relationship with this Huang Weifeng?!”

Lan Chuan’s Dao was body refinement, and anyone who fought him in close combat would suffer greatly. However, his full-powered attack had been easily blocked by the mysterious expert in the spatial rift.

Could Huang Weifeng also have the backing of a powerful being?

Mu Zhian narrowed his eyes, staring at the withered arm.

“Hmph!”

Seeing that Huang Weifeng was about to be taken away, a Lan family elder in mid-air finally intervened. He reached out towards the spatial rift, his voice deep. “Why doesn’t Fellow Daoist show your true face?”

Runes, imbued with a unique Dao Rhyme, flickered and transformed into a giant hand that descended from the sky!

This attack widened the spatial rift.

An elderly man in white robes, his face kind and benevolent, appeared within the rift.

One of his legs was crippled, and he seemed frail, but his cloudy eyes were incredibly deep, as if reflecting the heavens.

He held Huang Weifeng by the collar with one hand and raised his other withered arm, flicking his finger towards the giant hand.

Boom!

The void trembled as the Lan family elder’s attack was easily neutralized. The elder stumbled back, barely able to maintain his balance.

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered as he stared at the elderly man in the spatial rift. He suddenly heard Ye Qingxin’s voice in his mind: “Be careful. This person’s aura is strange, no weaker than any Dao Integration expert in the Nine Provinces.”

He’s a Dao Integration expert?!

Mu Zhian was shocked.

A young man from an insignificant village, secretly protected by a Dao Integration expert?

The Heavenly Dao truly knows how to choose its Chosen Ones…

The Lan family elder, his expression serious, said in a deep voice, “The names of all Dao Integration experts in the Nine Provinces are recorded in the ancient texts. May I ask who Senior is?”

“This elder is a Dao Integration expert?!”

Everyone present was shocked.

Huang Weifeng was just a nobody from a small village. How did he know a Dao Integration expert?

What kind of opportunity could lead to such a connection?

The elderly man’s voice, filled with laughter, came from the spatial rift. “Just an old man. I made a promise to this child’s father that if he ever encountered danger, I would save him.”

“I’ve fulfilled my promise. His future depends on his own fate.”

He then vanished from the Lan family’s hall, taking the unconscious Huang Weifeng with him.

With a Dao Integration expert intervening, no one could stop them. They could only watch as the spatial rift closed.

Mu Zhian’s thoughts stirred, and he secretly controlled the Void Nightmare, intending to follow them.

However, before the Void Nightmare could follow, the spatial rift closed silently.

The two elders who had been watching from the shadows felt a sense of unease.

Letting someone who had caused trouble for the Lan family leave so easily… might lead to future problems.

Many in the hall were also shocked.

He had caused trouble for the Lan family, yet he was able to leave safely. Just how powerful was the expert backing Huang Weifeng?

After a brief silence, Mu Zhian relaxed.

He was indeed surprised, but only by the fact that Huang Weifeng had the backing of a Dao Integration expert. He wasn’t surprised that Huang Weifeng had escaped.

After all, to the Nine Provinces, a Chosen One was a protagonist. And protagonists, no matter what dangers they faced, would always survive.

But when did Huang Weifeng meet this Dao Integration expert…?

A Dao Integration expert who could tear open spatial rifts and seemed to be nearing the end of their lifespan… He had never heard of such a person.

“After this, he’ll probably hold a grudge against you,” Lan Feiying said, looking at the scene.

Mu Zhian nodded in agreement, sighing softly. “I envy Brother Huang for having a Dao Integration expert backing him. Unlike me, I have to tread carefully and rely on myself for protection.”

Lan Feiying glanced at him seductively. “Your method of self-preservation is to find a Transcendence Realm wife?”

Mu Zhian glanced around, seeing that everyone’s attention was focused on the mysterious expert, and secretly took Lan Feiying’s hand, transmitting his voice, “It doesn’t have to be a Transcendence Realm cultivator… You’re also good enough, Feiying.”

He paused, looking at the alluring Lan Feiying, then at the cold and elegant Lan Mulian. “Both you and that man are Chosen Ones. What if the Heavenly Dao gives you an oracle to… deal with me?”

Lan Feiying raised an eyebrow. “Are you worried that I’ll harm you?”

Mu Zhian slowly shook his head. “Not worried, just thinking… you’re a Chosen One, and so is he. If he comes looking for you later…”

“I’ll bring him to you,” Lan Feiying said calmly. “You’re my man, so I won’t let anyone harm you. My luck is also yours. You should already have the immense luck I gave you.”

After their intimacy at Two Polarities Peak, while Mu Zhian’s Innate Celestial Furnace was giving Lan Feiying Heavenly Court spiritual energy, it had also absorbed the third portion of Heavenly Dao luck.

Before this, Mu Zhian hadn’t known that he could obtain luck from a Chosen One without defeating them.

If they were willing, he could also obtain their luck.

But most Chosen Ones were his enemies. How could they willingly give him their luck?

Only Feiying cares about me… Mu Zhian sighed inwardly.

“Won’t that cause trouble for you, Feiying?” Mu Zhian asked, feigning concern.

Lan Feiying smiled seductively and transmitted her voice, “Just… compensate Sister properly next time.”

“It doesn’t have to be next time. This time is also fine…”

Mu Zhian held Lan Feiying’s cool, soft hand, his gaze filled with affection.

Lan Feiying’s eyes softened. “News of tonight’s events will reach the Lan family soon. The elders will definitely send someone to investigate. You don’t want us to be interrupted, do you?”

As they conversed intimately, they didn’t notice a woman in a yellow dress watching them from a dark corner.

Lan Feiying seemed to sense Wei Mengrou’s gaze and glanced over, a triumphant smile on her lips.

Although you’re always by Young Master’s side, he’s gradually becoming… mine.

Seemingly understanding the meaning in Lan Feiying’s eyes, Wei Mengrou frowned slightly, her expression calm.

But inwardly, she was filled with jealousy.

She had been the first, yet now, Young Master was surrounded by all sorts of vixens, while she was still… stuck…

A dark mist faintly emanated from her as her eyes glazed over, her mind twisting slightly.

Suddenly, her gaze fell on a pure and innocent-looking girl not far away.

Huang Weifeng had caused trouble with the Lan family because of this girl.

The girl was walking at the back of the crowd, then suddenly vanished.

Wei Mengrou’s eyes flickered as she stared at the spot, remaining silent.

…

Meanwhile, after the commotion had subsided, Mu Zhian was about to leave.

He suddenly noticed a subtle, alluring figure at the back of the crowd.

The maid seemed to blend into the shadows, her aura completely concealed, almost undetectable.

She gave Mu Zhian a meaningful look, then silently slipped away.

Does Mengrou need something?

Mu Zhian understood.

“Feiying, Senior Sister, I have something to do. I’ll go back and cultivate,” he said to the two sisters, then dealt with a few Lan family elders who came to express their concern, and discreetly left the crowd, following Wei Mengrou.

…

In the front hall, after returning to their room, Lan Feiying, who hadn’t been intimate with Mu Zhian today, said, seemingly feeling a bit… lonely, “Sister, did you hear his voice transmission just now?”

The candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow on her alluring face.

Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, and although she wasn’t wearing her signature cheongsam today, her alluring figure was still evident.

Among the women in Mu Zhian’s ‘pond,’ Lan Feiying’s charm was unique, incredibly seductive to inexperienced boys.

“I heard it. He thinks I can’t hear voice transmissions, but if I wish, I can hear everything he says to others,” Lan Mulian said calmly.

Lan Mulian and her sister were complete opposites, one cold and one passionate. Either one alone could rival any woman in Mu Zhian’s harem, and together… they were unmatched.

Under her sister’s gaze, Lan Mulian took off her white shawl and hung it on a rack, then glanced at her sister. “He wanted to be intimate with you just now, but you refused. Are you sure it’s okay?”

“It’s fine. Things that are easily obtained are often easily overlooked. I’ll keep him waiting for a few days,” Lan Feiying said calmly, crossing her long legs, a confident smile on her face.

She had only been intimate with him at Two Polarities Peak because the atmosphere was right. But that guy had too many troublesome enemies around him. She had to be careful.

As long as he kept thinking about her, she would win.

Lan Mulian looked at her sister. “Don’t forget, he also has a maid.”

Lan Feiying chuckled softly. “Miss Wei is indeed beautiful, but she’s just like Sister, a tsundere. Even if she wants to be intimate with Young Master, she won’t take the initiative.”

After briefly interacting with Wei Mengrou, she had a good understanding of her personality.

Wei Mengrou was incredibly beautiful, but she was always passive, waiting for Mu Zhian to take the initiative.

In other words, after Mu Zhian arrived at the Lan family, the only ones he could… approach were her and her sister.

She had the advantage.

Lan Mulian, who had been innocently implicated, glanced at her alluring sister, remembering her intimate moments with Mu Zhian on the ancestor’s pleasure boat, and a faint blush colored her cheeks.

“What’s wrong, Sister? Why are you blushing?” Lan Feiying asked curiously.

“It’s nothing…” Lan Mulian looked at her sister with a complex expression.

Then she changed the subject. “Let’s meditate.”

I’m sorry, Feiying…

I’ve already… been with him…

As she felt a pang of guilt towards her sister, Lan Mulian suddenly seemed to sense something and turned her head, looking towards the west side of the Lan family’s estate.

After a moment, her eyes flickered.

“Heavenly Court spiritual energy…” Lan Feiying also sensed it. “Why is it coming from the forest in the west?”

Only the women who had been intimate with Mu Zhian could sense the Heavenly Court’s spiritual energy, and now they could clearly sense it coming from the western forest.

Lan Mulian’s thoughts stirred. “I saw him heading towards the western forest earlier. Who went with him?”

“The only one who would accompany him is Miss Wei—”

Realizing something, Lan Feiying froze.

Boom!

It was as if a thunderbolt had struck her.

“How could this be…”

“How could Miss Wei take the initiative? Isn’t she the most… tsundere person? Why…?”

After a long moment, Lan Feiying murmured, “I was the first…”

…

Half an hour earlier.

West of the Lan family’s estate was a forest, filled with rustling trees, roaring beasts, and swirling leaves.

The Eastern Continent was vast, and human cultivators only occupied a portion of it. Demons and beasts also accounted for a large part.

At night, the roars and growls of wild beasts echoed through the mountains and valleys, creating a cacophony of terrifying sounds.

But with the arrival of a maid in a yellow dress, these sounds vanished, and the demons and beasts hid silently in the forest.

These creatures were incredibly sensitive and sensed that the maid was a Nascent Soul expert, unwilling to provoke her.

“Why did you call me here, Mengrou?”

Mu Zhian followed Wei Mengrou into the forest. The maid’s figure was alluring, her curves sensual and captivating, even in the darkness.

“Do you remember the woman who was with Huang Weifeng today?” Wei Mengrou asked, turning to look at Mu Zhian.

Mu Zhian paused. “You mean that pure and innocent-looking beauty?”

Wei Mengrou immediately glared at him.

She knew he would notice any beautiful woman.

Mu Zhian coughed lightly. “What about her?”

“That woman left with Huang Weifeng, but before leaving, she seemed to be… observing you,” Wei Mengrou said.

Mu Zhian was puzzled. “Is that strange?”

Not everyone was interested in the ‘divine oracle’ bestowed during the Lan family’s ancestral worship ceremony. It wasn’t strange for someone to leave early.

As for that girl observing him, it wasn’t strange either.

Mu Zhian was an Innate Celestial Furnace. Even if he deliberately suppressed his aura, he would still involuntarily attract the attention of female cultivators.

“That woman vanished in an instant,” Wei Mengrou whispered.

Mu Zhian’s eyes flickered. “In an instant?”

Normally leaving the hall wouldn’t be strange, but vanishing in an instant… required at least the Soul Transformation realm.

Soul Transformation cultivators could jump through space, and Dao Integration experts could even tear open spatial rifts.

So, there really is something strange about the woman with Huang Weifeng…

Mu Zhian suddenly thought of something and transmitted his voice with a hint of worry, “Since that woman is strange, are we sure it’s okay to come out here alone?”

Wei Mengrou’s expression remained calm. “If she has any intentions towards you, it’s a good opportunity to deal with her.”

With a wisp of the Primordial Witch’s consciousness within her, Wei Mengrou’s strength could reach the Dao Integration realm at any time. Even if that pure girl was strange, she was at most a Dao Integration expert.

“So you’re using me as bait, Mengrou, to see if she’ll take the bait?”

Mu Zhian understood why Wei Mengrou had brought him here. He smiled. “But it seems she doesn’t have any interest in me.”

Wei Mengrou hummed softly.

Mu Zhian continued, “In that case, let’s go back.”

He turned to leave, but Wei Mengrou grabbed his wrist.

She glanced at him. “It’s said that there’s a natural hot spring in the Polar Star Forest. Soaking in it can fully restore one’s mental energy.”

Although she didn’t elaborate, Mu Zhian understood her meaning.

He was tempted, but still hesitated. “But it will take time to find this hot spring. If we return too late, the other Lan family members might become suspicious…”

Before Mu Zhian could finish, a thick black mist enveloped the forest, and when his vision cleared, he was standing before a natural hot spring.

The black mist completely concealed the hot spring from the outside world.

“Mengrou—”

Mu Zhian looked up and froze.

Wei Mengrou’s long hair cascaded down her back, her black dress accentuating her sensual figure, her long, shapely legs encased in white and black stockings that reached her thighs.

She wore a pair of short boots, her legs crossed, her usually cold face now adorned with a mysterious, alluring smile.

For some reason, Mu Zhian felt a sense of familiarity and longing as he looked into her eyes.

The Primordial Witch.

“Do you like it?”

Wei Mengrou smiled gently, her voice like a soft veil caressing his face, making him itch.

Before Mu Zhian could speak, she stepped closer, her eyes filled with a mysterious light, and whispered in his ear, “If you like it, just command me, Master.”

Her whisper, like a seductive spell, echoed in Mu Zhian’s ears.

His gaze, initially calm, turned heated as he stared at her beautiful, alluring face, unable to look away.

At that moment, she was both the Primordial Witch and the maid who served him.

Within the black mist, an invisible thread seemed to be pulling him towards her, like a woman’s hand gently caressing his face.

Only one thought filled Mu Zhian’s mind.

He wanted to be close to this woman, no matter what…

He couldn’t resist any longer. He embraced her waist and, under her seductive gaze, kissed her soft lips.

At that moment, the third portion of immense luck was bestowed upon the Primordial Witch.

Wei Mengrou’s face flushed slightly, and she whispered, “Here?”

“No.”

To her surprise, Mu Zhian shook his head.

He lifted her into his arms, and the sudden weightlessness made Wei Mengrou snap out of her daze, her eyes widening.

Before she could speak, Mu Zhian carried her into the hot spring.

Ripples spread across the water’s surface.

“Let’s enjoy the hot spring first,” Mu Zhian whispered, looking down at the beauty in his arms.

In his warm embrace, Wei Mengrou’s eyes became hazy, and she looked at Mu Zhian, a strange glint flickering within them.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again.

Unnoticed by them, the surrounding bushes withered silently, and the vibrant colors of the Polar Star Forest faded as the black mist spread, like ink slowly staining a painting, until all life was devoured.

The title ‘Friend of Villains’ shone with an unprecedented brilliance.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay