It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Gongsun Manor.

Gongsun Xiong sat leisurely in the main hall, sipping tea while a beautiful woman massaged his shoulders.

Judging by his relaxed demeanor, he was unaware of the storm brewing outside.

The Gongsun, Mu, and Bai families were the three dominant clans in Tianxuan City. The Mu family held a slight edge over the other two, while the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce, a force that had arrived from outside a few years ago, had been steadily gaining influence and was now on par with the three families.

Gongsun Xiong had six sons. His eldest was already helping him manage the family affairs. His second son was obsessed with other men’s affairs and best left unmentioned. His third son, Gongsun Zan, was a wastrel, obsessed with women. His fourth and fifth sons were traveling abroad, while his youngest was still a child.

Of all his sons, Gongsun Xiong was most disappointed in Gongsun Zan. However, out of paternal love, he had always indulged his son’s whims.

A servant rushed into the hall, his face pale with panic. “M-Master… Young Master Gongsun Zan… something terrible has happened!”

Gongsun Xiong looked up sharply.

“Young Master Gongsun Zan. He was conducting a raid on the Chen Manor today, and he… he got into an argument with someone… He’s… he’s been killed!”

His third son might have been incompetent and born from a concubine, but he was still his flesh and blood. He represented the Gongsun family.

Killing him was a direct insult to the Gongsun family.

“Who did it? Have you found out?” Gongsun Xiong demanded, his voice cold with fury.

“I-It was… Mu Zhi’an of the Mu family!”

Mu Zhi’an… the sole heir of the Mu family… Gongsun Xiong’s anger subsided, replaced by a cold, calculating calm.

Some names were enough to extinguish even the most intense rage. The Mu family was one of them.

“Tell me everything,” he ordered, his voice low and dangerous.

The servant recounted the events that had transpired, the story that was now spreading like wildfire throughout Tianxuan City. To his surprise, Gongsun Xiong didn’t erupt in anger. He simply waved his hand dismissively.

“You’re dismissed.”

The beautiful woman behind him continued massaging his shoulders. “Master, the Mu family has been arrogant for far too long. To think they would dare to harm Zan’er… They clearly have no respect for us.”

Gongsun Xiong shook his head. “You think like a woman.”

He paused, then set down his teacup. “You’re aware of the Mu family’s power in Tianxuan City, aren’t you?”

The woman nodded.

“Do you honestly think it would be difficult for them to cover up Zan’er’s death?” he continued. “Even we would have trouble uncovering the truth. How could they possibly kill him in the morning and have the entire city gossiping about it by afternoon? Do you think the Mu family is stupid enough to let this story spread unchecked?”

The woman’s eyes flickered. “What are you suggesting, Master?”

“Someone is framing the Mu family,” Gongsun Xiong replied, his voice certain.

“It could be the Bai family, the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce, or even some smaller faction.”

He continued, “That Mu Zhi’an might be obsessed with women, but he’s not an idiot. He knows the consequences of killing Zan’er.”

“As for this story about him acting out of a sense of justice… Do you believe it?”

The woman shook her head silently.

They both knew Mu Zhi’an’s character. He wasn’t the type to champion the weak.

“As expected of you, Master,” the woman said, flattering him.

Gongsun Xiong snorted. “Regardless of whether the Mu family is truly responsible, we’ll make sure they pay for this.”

Just then, another servant hurried into the hall.

“Master, Young Master Mu is here requesting an audience.”

“He dares to show his face here after what happened today?!” the woman exclaimed, shocked.

To brazenly visit the Gongsun Manor after the news of Gongsun Zan’s death had spread. It was audacious, to say the least.

Gongsun Xiong considered this for a moment, then said, “Show him in.”

Moments later, Mu Zhi’an entered the hall, escorted by a servant. He greeted the Gongsun patriarch and the beautiful woman standing behind him.

“Uncle Gongsun, I apologize for disturbing you at such a late hour,” Mu Zhi’an said respectfully, adopting the demeanor of a deferential junior.

Gongsun Xiong smiled pleasantly. “You must have something important to discuss, Nephew Mu, to visit me so late at night.”

Regardless of what Mu Zhi’an said, he would make sure the Mu family paid dearly for this.

Whether Mu Zhi’an had actually killed Gongsun Zan was irrelevant. What mattered was that the rumors were swirling, and the blame was currently directed at Mu Zhi’an. That was enough.

Mu Zhi’an nodded. He glanced at the servants flanking them. “I do have something important to discuss, Uncle. However… would you mind dismissing everyone else?”

Gongsun Xiong raised an eyebrow. He gestured for the servants to leave.

“You too,” he said to the beautiful woman.

Once they were alone, Gongsun Xiong looked at Mu Zhi’an. “Have a seat, Nephew Mu.”

His tone was casual, as if he was unaware of the chaos brewing outside.

Mu Zhi’an took a sip of tea. “You’ve heard the rumors, I presume, Uncle?”

Gongsun Xiong nodded, his face a mask of grief and sorrow. “I just received the news. To think that my incompetent son would meet such a tragic end at the Chen Manor.”

He sighed, then looked at Mu Zhi’an, his expression serious. “I believe you, Nephew Mu. You and Zan’er didn’t interact much, but our families have always been on good terms. You’re not the type to resort to violence without cause.”

His acting was impeccable. He could give those young idols a run for their money… Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, amused.

He sighed sympathetically. “I always felt a kinship with Young Master Gongsun Zan. It’s a shame we never had the chance to become friends.”

They exchanged a few more pleasantries. Gongsun Xiong was about to steer the conversation towards the compensation he intended to demand when Mu Zhi’an leaned in close, lowering his voice.

“Uncle, there’s an outside force operating in Tianxuan City.”

Gongsun Xiong’s eyes widened in surprise.

“I did encounter Young Master Gongsun Zan today,” Mu Zhi’an continued. “However, I didn’t kill him. He was killed by a cultivator from outside.”

Gongsun Xiong shook his head. “Nephew Mu, you can’t expect me to believe that.”

Mu Zhi’an smiled faintly. “I understand you don’t believe me, Uncle. But once you see him with your own eyes, I’m sure you’ll change your mind.”

Gongsun Xiong frowned. “Are you saying that an outsider infiltrated Tianxuan City and killed Zan’er?”

Mu Zhi’an nodded.

Gongsun Xiong stared at him, his expression unreadable. After a long silence, he spoke. “Do you have any proof?”

“I’d like to invite you to my manor tonight, Uncle,” Mu Zhi’an said. “Of course, you’ll need to conceal your presence.”

“Then… you’ll believe me.”