Inside the teahouse, Mu Zhi'an sat in a well-lit room, a window beside him offering a clear view of the sparring arena below. It was the same room where Lan Mulian and Lan Feiying had sat previously.
"This teahouse truly has an excellent view. It seems Senior Sister definitely saw my little interaction with Ruoxi at the arena," Mu Zhi'an mused, taking a sip from his teacup as he watched the young cultivators sparring below.
He felt a persistent sense of bad luck. Even locals might not know about this particular room with its exceptional view. How had Senior Sister stumbled upon it?
And considering her personality, after receiving the Luminous Soil, she shouldn't have had any desire to attend the auction… yet she did.
It was quite strange.
Was it a 'supporting character's' fate to have worse luck than ordinary people?
Mu Zhi'an opened his personal interface. He noticed that the font color for "Supporting Character" had changed again, this time to a light pink, and the frame even had a slight heart shape.
"My guess was right. Every time I weaken Ye Yu's fate as the Chosen One, my supporting role diminishes," he thought. "But even if I completely strip away Ye Yu's protagonist status and his destiny, will my title change to 'Protagonist'?"
As a supporting character, Mu Zhi'an's luck was inherently worse than others. Even with decent talent, he was prone to misfortune, as his initial purpose was merely to serve as a stepping stone for the protagonist.
Only when Ye Yu fell would his own fate improve.
Winning over Bai Ruoxi and the Ye sisters were ways to weaken Ye Yu's protagonist status.
Of course, Mu Zhi'an also had a personal interest in these endeavors.
Combining his mission with personal enjoyment was quite satisfying.
However… even if Ye Yu's destiny was completely stripped away, would the label of "supporting character" change?
Would the title disappear altogether?
Or would "Heaven" choose a new "Chosen One" as the protagonist?
Mu Zhi'an shook his head. "If that's the case, wouldn't I be constantly battling 'protagonists'?"
But it wouldn't be so bad. After all, every protagonist had so much to offer.
Perhaps by exploiting their resources, he could eventually reach the Dao Integration realm?
*Knock, knock.*
A gentle knock came from the door, followed by a melodious voice. "Young Master Mu, may we enter?"
It was Ye Lingxuan.
They arrived quite early… Mu Zhi'an thought. "Come in."
The door opened, and a refreshing fragrance wafted in. Ye Qian entered, her arm linked with Ye Lingxuan's.
One sister, elegant and refined; the other, innocent and adorable.
In terms of beauty, Ye Lingxuan would undoubtedly become a stunning woman, although her chest was… a slight disappointment. But her charming face and the glimpse of fair skin beneath her short boots easily overshadowed any flaws.
Beauty was enough.
And Mu Zhi'an wasn't that picky. As long as they caught his eye, it was fine.
Ye Qian was far more developed than her sister. Walking together, one might mistake her for the elder sibling.
She was the naive and innocent type, evident from her lack of resistance when he held her hand yesterday.
After inviting them to sit, Mu Zhi'an poured them tea.
Ye Lingxuan placed a smooth, pale blue Spirit Stone on the table.
"No need for tea, Young Master Mu. We caused you quite a bit of trouble yesterday. Here are the two thousand Spirit Stones I owe you."
She continued, "Qian'er and I have some matters to attend to, so we'll be taking our leave."
With the debt repaid, their connection was severed. Her main purpose in coming here today was to return the money.
Ye Qian looked at her sister, surprised. She hadn't expected them to leave so soon.
Mu Zhi'an glanced at the Spirit Stone, neither accepting nor rejecting it. "Did Ye Yu repay you after returning yesterday?"
Ye Lingxuan nodded curtly, her expression cold.
Actually, Ye Yu had only returned thirteen hundred Spirit Stones, claiming he didn't have enough savings.
However, he had promised to repay the remaining seven hundred as soon as he received the payment for his pills from the auction house.
She knew he had more savings. Repaying the full amount wouldn't be difficult.
He had only returned thirteen hundred to emphasize his identity as an alchemist.
After all, there were only a handful of alchemists in Tianxuan City.
But he didn't realize that, to her, alchemists weren't that rare.
"If there's nothing else, Qian'er and I will be leaving, Young Master Mu."
She stood up, gently pulling Ye Qian along.
While she didn't dislike him, it was best to distance themselves.
Qian'er's behavior yesterday had seemed odd. It was best to limit her interaction with Mu Zhi'an.
He already had Bai Ruoxi. That woman might seem pure and innocent, but their brief encounter yesterday had revealed a darker side.
Qian'er was too naive. Without her protection, she might be taken advantage of.
As the sisters turned to leave, Mu Zhi'an set down his teacup and looked at Ye Qian.
"Are you leaving too, Qian'er?"
Ye Qian hesitated, her steps faltering.
"You're already here. Why not have a cup of tea? It's lonely to drink alone."
She looked at her sister, her voice soft. "Sister, could you go ahead?"
Ye Lingxuan stared at her, speechless.
Then, noticing her sister's hopeful, almost pleading gaze, she sighed inwardly and sat back down.
"Since Qian'er wants to stay for tea, I'll stay a little longer."
Mu Zhi'an smiled, pouring them each a cup of tea. He took a sip, then placed the Spirit Stone in front of Ye Lingxuan.
She looked up at him, her brow furrowed slightly. "What's the meaning of this, Young Master Mu?"
"I can't accept this," he replied.
"You lost two thousand Spirit Stones because of Brother Ye Yu yesterday. You shouldn't have to bear that loss," she insisted, trying to sever their connection, to avoid owing him a favor.
He retrieved a small wooden box from his storage ring and opened it, revealing a withered root, about the size of a bowl, its surface charred and blackened.
It was the Dragon Soaring Tendril he had acquired at the auction.
She glanced at it, her voice indifferent. "It's valuable, but not in your hands."
She seemed to know about the herb. He asked, feigning ignorance, "Why do you say that?"
"Can't it be restored with Rebirth Water?"
"The rumors about Rebirth Water are exaggerated. It can't instantly heal injuries. At most, it can extend one's lifespan by a hundred years, but only for the first time it's consumed. That's all."
"It's not enough to simply use Rebirth Water. The Dragon Soaring Tendril needs to be submerged in a pool of Rebirth Water for months to be restored."
"In your hands, it will wither completely within six months. Even Rebirth Water won't be able to save it then."
So it's called the Dragon Soaring Tendril. And how does she know so much? It sounds like she's consumed Rebirth Water before.
He pondered for a moment, then asked, "Do you have a way to restore it?"
She hesitated. "May I… examine it?"
He nodded. "Please."
She reached for the tendril, and something unexpected happened.
As she touched it, the withered root seemed to rejuvenate. Its surface became smooth and lustrous.
A refreshing, herbal fragrance filled the room.
Ye Qian stared at her sister, her eyes wide with surprise.
Mu Zhi'an was also shocked, staring at the tendril, which was now glowing faintly.
He had examined it last night, even giving it to Bai Ruoxi to see if she could sense anything.
But it had remained inert, both in his hands and in hers.
Yet Ye Lingxuan had easily activated it?
She placed it back in the box, then looked up at him. "Only alchemists can nurture the Dragon Soaring Tendril. In ordinary hands, it will wither and die."
"Then why were you able to activate it?"
He asked, his curiosity piqued. "Are you an alchemist, a talented one?"
"I apologize, but… that's a secret," she replied evasively.
If Ye Yu had acquired the tendril, he would only be able to nurture it. But Ye Lingxuan… she could directly utilize its power.
She hadn't even known it was the Dragon Soaring Tendril until her protector, Old Wei, had identified it based on her description.
Mu Zhi'an picked up the tendril, trying to replicate her action, but nothing happened.
So all the treasures I've acquired from Ye Yu, they're all ancient artifacts… and I can't use any of them?
He felt a sense of cosmic injustice.
The bronze fragment and the Heavenly Dao Aura were Bai Ruoxi's "cheat codes." The Dragon Soaring Tendril was exclusive to Ye Lingxuan. Where's my cheat code?
He sighed inwardly, his disappointment evident.
But it was alright. He would find other opportunities to exploit the protagonist. After all, Heaven would always favor the Chosen One.
He pushed the Spirit Stones towards her, then the box with the tendril.
She frowned. "What are you doing, Young Master Mu?"
"It would be a waste for me to keep it. Why don't you hold onto it for now, Miss Ye? Once you've restored it, we can discuss how to divide it. Consider those two thousand Spirit Stones a storage fee," he suggested.
She hesitated, glancing at the box, then at him.
Two thousand Spirit Stones was nothing to her. He was practically giving her the Dragon Soaring Tendril for free.
And in her hands, its value would be maximized.
She had already told him that simply being in an alchemist's possession would prevent it from withering… yet he was still entrusting it to her.
For two thousand Spirit Stones?
It was obviously not about the money. The Mu family wouldn't care about such a paltry sum.
But… she was tempted.
After a moment of contemplation, she nodded, accepting his offer.
"I'll bring you the restored Dragon Soaring Tendril in a year."
A year was enough to fully restore it, and to reap its benefits.
The atmosphere in the room had relaxed considerably. They chatted leisurely, his humor drawing laughter from the sisters.
After a while, Ye Lingxuan received a mental message.
It was Old Wei, inquiring about the situation.
He had suggested acquiring the Dragon Soaring Tendril yesterday.
She hadn't planned to ask Mu Zhi'an for it, but he had offered it to her.
She set down her teacup, smiling. "The tea has gone cold. I'll go downstairs and ask for a fresh pot."
She left the room.
Ye Yu, who had been lurking outside, froze, holding his breath, and retreated silently.
He pressed himself against the wall of a nearby room, watching as she descended the stairs, her figure graceful and alluring. Once she was gone, he cautiously approached their room again.
Knowing Mu Zhi'an's character, he wouldn't miss this opportunity to take advantage of Ye Qian.
And when she was vulnerable, that was his chance to intervene.
He hadn't felt much when they had called him "Brother Ye Yu."
But hearing them address someone else as "brother" it sparked a fierce possessiveness within him.
They were his cousins! Why were they calling that womanizing wastrel "Brother Mu"?!
He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms, remembering their laughter, their easy camaraderie. His jealousy intensified.
As he had predicted, soon after Ye Lingxuan left, their voices echoed from the room.
"Qian'er, are you still angry?" Mu Zhi'an had moved to Ye Lingxuan's seat, his gaze fixed on the innocent beauty beside him.
"I'm not angry. You've always been pursuing Sister Ruoxi. Now that you're together. I'm happy for you," Ye Qian replied, her voice a mixture of nervousness and something else.
He looked at her, his eyes intense. "Have you forgotten what happened in that private room yesterday?"
She blushed, remembering their stolen moment, holding hands beneath the table, her sister oblivious. A thrill of excitement coursed through her.
She whispered, "That was in the past, Young Master Mu—"
He gently clasped her hand, his gaze meeting hers. "Call me Brother Mu, alright?"
She felt trapped, like a rabbit cornered by a predator, his gaze burning into her. She lowered her eyes, unable to speak.
Ye Yu, listening outside, felt a surge of relief.
It seemed Qian'er was smarter than he thought. She knew Mu Zhi'an's intentions.
"Brother Mu…"
Her voice, soft and hesitant, yet filled with an undeniable warmth, echoed through the room, shattering his hopes.
"Good girl. Are you wearing lipstick today~? Can I taste it?"
"Don't… don't do that, Sister will be angry."
"Love is freedom, Qian'er."
"Don't… mm…"
He couldn't bear it any longer. He flung open the door.
Mu Zhi'an was holding Ye Qian's hand, his arm around her waist, his gaze fixed on her. She looked up at him, her lips parted slightly, her expression inviting.
Ye Yu's expression hardened.
"What are you doing to my cousin, Young Master Mu?!"