It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

So, this bronze shard was a fragment of an ancient weapon, possibly wielded by an ancestor of the Bai family?

That would explain why Bai Ruoxi could activate its power so easily… Mu Zhi’an stared at the bronze sword behind her, its aura formidable, and pondered the possibilities.

Bai Ruoxi, sensing his intense gaze, blushed slightly. “Young Master Mu, why are you staring at me?” she asked softly.

While there was a certain allure to her aloof and untouchable demeanor, he also found her current vulnerability, a consequence of her family’s misfortune, rather appealing.

Mu Zhi’an snapped out of his thoughts. “Just thinking about the Dragon Head Forest in two days,” he replied.

He changed the subject. “What level are you at now?”

“Eighth level of Foundation Establishment,” Bai Ruoxi replied softly.

Mu Zhi’an blinked, surprised. He looked at her, a newfound respect in his eyes.

Her recent troubles had made him forget that the Bai family’s young mistress wasn’t just a pretty face. She was a talented cultivator, one of the best in her generation.

However, unlike the other two, Ye Yu’s rapid progress was solely due to the Heavenly Dao Aura.

“If I unleash the bronze sword, I might be able to injure even a Core Formation expert if they’re caught off guard,” Bai Ruoxi added.

Mu Zhi’an nodded.

In this world, if you couldn’t defeat opponents stronger than you, you couldn’t call yourself a genius.

Only those who could fight above their realm were truly exceptional!

And here he was, stuck at the second level of Foundation Establishment.

It was almost comical.

In those stories, the protagonists often faced antagonists who were slightly stronger, but not overwhelmingly so.

The power gap was never too wide, allowing the protagonist to pull off a satisfying victory.

“Young Master Mu, are you confident you can defeat Ye Yu?” Bai Ruoxi asked suddenly.

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “No.”

He saw the worry in her eyes and reached out to gently pat her head.

“Whether I win or lose against Ye Yu, it’s not important,” he said.

From the very beginning, his focus hadn’t been on the duel.

The true objective wasn’t a petty competition, but bandit suppression.

Suppressing the black-robed bandit.

The outcome of his duel with Ye Yu was irrelevant.

“Can I accompany you to the Dragon Head Forest that day?” Bai Ruoxi asked.

Mu Zhi’an nodded. “I was hoping you would. I might need your help.”

If Bai Ruoxi was just an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, she wouldn’t be of much use in the “bandit suppression” operation.

But if she could fight above her realm, her bronze sword would be a valuable trump card.

“There’s no need to be so formal, Young Master Mu,” Bai Ruoxi replied, shaking her head. “I owe you a great debt. Just tell me what you need.”

After that night, after Mu Zhi’an had met with her father, she had resolved to repay his kindness, no matter the cost.

“I’ll protect you,” she added.

If a battle erupted between Core Formation experts at the Dragon Head Forest, even Wei Mengrou wouldn’t be able to protect Mu Zhi’an at all times.

And that’s where she would come in.

Mu Zhi’an’s expression turned strange upon hearing her sincere declaration.

He knew she meant well, but it felt odd.

They were the same age, yet she was offering to protect him.

Bai Ruoxi, noticing his reaction, blushed slightly. “Well… say something, Young Master Mu…”

Mu Zhi’an recovered. “I appreciate your offer,” he said with a smile.

He paused, then continued, “But you don’t need to protect me. I have another task for you. And only you can do it.”

Bai Ruoxi looked at him, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Mu Zhi’an leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear, and whispered something to her.

His warm breath tickled her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. Her eyes glistened with a mixture of confusion and anticipation.

After a moment, she calmed down and nodded resolutely.

“I understand. If things unfold as you predict, Young Master Mu, I’ll deliver the final blow.”

Mu Zhi’an nodded, satisfied. “Thank you, Miss Bai.”

As they chatted in the courtyard, a servant approached them. She saw the beautiful woman, her cheeks flushed as if she’d been drinking, and hesitated, wondering if she was interrupting something.

“What is it?” Mu Zhi’an asked.

The servant recovered. “Young Master, a servant from the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce requests an audience.”

Why would someone from the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce come to the Mu Manor?

Bai Ruoxi glanced at Mu Zhi’an, her brow furrowed.

Mu Zhi’an’s expression remained unchanged. He didn’t seem surprised. “Bring him to the main hall,” he instructed.

After the servant left, Bai Ruoxi whispered, “Young Master Mu, why would the Chamber of Commerce?”

The Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce was one of the forces targeting the Bai family. It was only natural for her to be concerned about their sudden appearance.

“Don’t worry, Miss Bai. The enemy of your enemy is your friend. Besides, the Chamber of Commerce is funding our ‘bandit suppression’ operation. They’re here to deliver the money,” Mu Zhi’an explained with a smile.

Businessmen prioritized profit. The Chamber of Commerce wasn’t contributing manpower, so they had to contribute financially.

However, he hadn’t expected Chairman Huang to deliver the one hundred thousand Spirit Stones before they’d even dealt with the black-robed man.

They arrived at the main hall. The servant, who had been waiting for them, bowed respectfully and presented Mu Zhi’an with a storage ring. “Young Master Mu.”

Mu Zhi’an accepted the ring and scanned it with his consciousness, confirming the amount of Spirit Stones inside. He nodded, satisfied. “Thank you. You’re dismissed.”

The servant hesitated. “Young Master Mu, Miss Feiying asked me to retrieve her ring”

“I’ll return it to her personally,” Mu Zhi’an replied.

It was a borrowed item. He wasn’t comfortable letting a stranger return it.

The servant, seeing his resolute expression, bowed and left.

Bai Ruoxi, however, was confused. “Miss Feiying’s ring?”

Mu Zhi’an chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t worry about it, Miss Bai. It’s nothing important. More importantly, let’s go see how Elder Ren is progressing with the medicine.”

“If all goes well, you can take it to your father tonight.”

And then the bandit suppression feast would begin.