It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

As Mu Zhi’an spoke, a flicker of fear crossed the black-robed man’s heart.

His gaze fell upon the old man who had silently appeared behind Mu Zhi’an. He hesitated for a moment, then his unease vanished, replaced by a cold smirk. “Is *this* your so-called surprise?”

It was Elder Ren, the Mu family’s retainer.

This was a card the Mu family had played openly, a card he was already aware of.

And he had a counter for this card.

A Core Formation cultivator was indeed troublesome.

But not insurmountable.

Especially for someone who had come prepared.

The black-robed man regained his composure, his eyes fixed on Mu Zhi’an, a chilling glint in their depths. “To think the Mu family’s retainer would personally escort you to the Dragon Head Forest… You don’t trust me very much, do you, Young Master Mu?”

The black-robed man was momentarily speechless, then he burst into laughter. “You’re right! Hahaha! I’ve been underestimating you, Young Master Mu. Even a wastrel can devise a cunning plan.”

“I went through all that trouble to help you win over Miss Bai… and this is how you repay me?”

“I pursued her. I put in the effort. How is that *your* accomplishment?” Mu Zhi’an retorted, his voice laced with amusement.

“Who the hell do you think you are?”

The black-robed man’s eyes narrowed, a murderous glint in their depths. He slowly raised his hand. “It seems you’re not satisfied with the gift I gave you, Young Master Mu.”

As he spoke, a wave of killing intent washed over Mu Zhi’an. He felt a chill run down his spine.

The black-robed man’s figure flickered, and another figure emerged from behind him, also clad in black robes.

Unlike the man with the wide-brimmed hat, this one’s face was exposed. His features were sharp and angular, his eyes cold and reptilian, their vertical pupils like those of a venomous snake. His aura was chilling, predatory.

“A demon?!” Bai Ruoxi gasped.

The aura emanating from him was unmistakable, the signature coldness of a demonic cultivator.

Demons were one of the most powerful factions in this world. The Two Polarities Sect was located in the Eastern Realm, while the Demon Realm lay far to the north. Conflicts between the two factions were frequent.

But Tianxuan City was practically at the foot of the Two Polarities Sect!

To think a demon had infiltrated this far.

It seemed the Demon Emperor had ambitious plans.

The Northern Realm was entirely under demonic control. It was a lawless land, ruled by the Demon Empress, said to be an ancient Sky Swallowing Python, a white snake of immense power and seductive charm. Countless demons, rogue cultivators, and other nefarious beings had pledged their allegiance to her, becoming her loyal servants.

Her power wasn’t solely based on her strength; it was also rooted in her alluring charm, her ability to ensnare hearts and minds.

No wonder something felt off. He’s a demon… Mu Zhi’an thought, surprised.

The black-robed man had been hiding his true nature.

There had been two of them all along.

That explained his confidence.

Two Core Formation demons. Even if Elder Ren could handle one, the other would wreak havoc.

Demons possessed naturally potent spiritual energy. Due to their bloodline, they were formidable opponents, often surpassing human cultivators of the same realm. And aside from Elder Ren, there was only Mu Zhi’an and Bai Ruoxi.

Two Foundation Establishment cultivators were no match for a Core Formation demon.

“You didn’t seem too surprised earlier, Young Master Mu. How about now? Is this surprising enough?” the black-robed man asked, a cruel smirk twisting his lips.

His gaze was cold, predatory, like a cat toying with its prey.

It was true, even a powerful family rarely had more than two or three Core Formation experts.

These two Core Formation demons were practically invincible in this situation.

His gaze lingered on Bai Ruoxi, a hint of greed in his eyes.

He had no interest in humans, but this girl possessed an abundance of spiritual energy. If he refined her into a cauldron, it would greatly enhance his power.

As for Mu Zhi’an.

He would make that arrogant brat suffer.

To think he, a Core Formation expert, had been tricked by a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator! It had been a humiliating experience, forcing him to abandon his black robes and hide his face in shame.

He would have his revenge.

“Two Core Formation demons. I’m impressed,” Mu Zhi’an said, his voice filled with mock admiration.

However, the fear he’d been feigning vanished, replaced by his usual calm demeanor.

The black-robed man frowned.

He felt a strange unease, a prickling sensation at the back of his neck.

He had imagined Mu Zhi’an’s reaction upon discovering his true strength… He’d expected terror, panic, perhaps even a desperate attempt to flee.

That was how others had reacted. He would give them a glimmer of hope, make them believe they could escape, then crush their spirits at the last moment, reveling in their despair.

He’d wanted to see that same fear in Mu Zhi’an’s eyes, but the young man’s calmness was unnerving.

Something’s not right. He’s just a third-level Foundation Establishment cultivator. Why isn’t he afraid?

The black-robed man’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.

In that instant, the demon beside him lunged at Mu Zhi’an, striking out with his palm.

Elder Ren snorted, meeting the attack with his own palm strike. A shockwave rippled outward, forcing them apart.

The demon unleashed a wave of demonic energy, engulfing Elder Ren. A fierce battle erupted.

The black-robed man continued to face Mu Zhi’an, who still showed no signs of fleeing. He felt a flicker of fear, an urge to retreat.

Retrieving the Heavenly Dao Aura and returning to the Demon Empress was his top priority. Failure was not an option.

He hesitated, then struck out at Mu Zhi’an with his withered hand.

*Clang!*

A clear, resonant hum echoed through the air. He stared in disbelief as an ancient bronze sword, its surface adorned with intricate patterns, materialized behind the Bai family’s young mistress.

An oppressive aura radiated from the sword, a sense of ancient power that made his heart pound.

This sword, it’s not ordinary.

He glared at Bai Ruoxi, his fear and anger masked by a calm facade. “So this is your trump card, Young Master Mu?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Hiding behind a woman…”

Mu Zhi’an chuckled, unfazed by his taunts. “At least I have a woman to rely on. What about you?”

“Oh, you don’t have a Dao Companion? Never mind then.” His words struck a nerve.

The black-robed man roared in fury, launching another attack.

But Bai Ruoxi’s sword blocked the blow, its surface glowing with a faint light, forming a protective barrier.

He’s acting like a scorned lover… Mu Zhi’an thought, amused. “Don’t get your robes in a twist. I haven’t unveiled my gift yet.”

The black-robed man, staring at the smiling young man, felt a growing sense of unease. He turned and shot into the air, attempting to escape.

A booming voice echoed from above, shaking the very trees. “You think you can come and go as you please? Do you take Tianxuan City for a playground?!”

The black-robed man looked up, his eyes widening in horror as three figures descended from the sky, their swords gleaming in the sunlight.

It was two Core Formation experts from the Gongsun family and another from the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce!

He spun around, desperately seeking an escape route.

But as he turned, he saw the girl in the pale yellow gown standing calmly in his path, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, her eyes cold and indifferent.

Another Core Formation expert?!

He felt as if the entire world had turned against him. He glared at Mu Zhi’an, his voice a venomous hiss. “You tricked me!”

For a junior member of the Mu family to secretly unite the three great families, it was unthinkable.

“I wouldn’t call it a trick. To use your own words, this is a surprise.”

Mu Zhi’an’s voice was calm, but his eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. “Now, explain this to me—”

“What exactly is your definition of a surprise?”