It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 43: The Sect Entrance Exams

In the verdant depths of the Dragon Head Forest, several Core Formation cultivators soared through the air on their flying swords. Gongsun Xiong, dressed in luxurious robes, his face grim, scanned the forest below.

Beside him, the Gongsun family retainer shared his displeasure.

It was understandable. He’d agreed to accompany Gongsun Xiong on this “bandit suppression” operation without hesitation.

But the appearance of the Heavenly Dao Aura had changed everything.

Such a rare and valuable treasure was impossible to ignore.

To see it vanish before their very eyes… He was doing his best to control his anger.

Gongsun Xiong turned to Elder Ren and Wei Mengrou, his voice cold. “Elder Ren, Miss Wei, perhaps you can explain where did Young Master Mu and Miss Bai go while we were dealing with the black-robed man?”

Elder Ren, sitting leisurely on his sword, didn’t even bother to open his eyes. “Young love… it can be quite passionate. Perhaps they couldn’t resist finding a secluded spot to… resolve their urges.”

Gongsun Xiong narrowed his eyes. “Do you believe that yourself?”

“The Heavenly Dao Aura vanished shortly after they left. It’s too much of a coincidence. The Mu family might be powerful in Tianxuan City, but we deserve an explanation,” Old Tian said, siding with Gongsun Xiong.

Ye Yu, struggling to control his sword with the old man’s assistance, spoke in a cold voice. “I told you! That Mu Zhi’an is hiding something! He lured me to the Dragon Head Forest because he knew about the Heavenly Dao Aura within me!”

“That ‘bandit suppression’ duel… it was all a charade! He was after the aura from the very beginning!”

Elder Ren’s voice was calm, measured. “Let’s not jump to conclusions before we have all the facts.”

He gestured with his hand, summoning a small birdcage. Inside, the black-robed man’s companion, his spirit now imprisoned by Elder Ren’s secret technique, floated listlessly.

“Perhaps the black-robed man stole the aura himself?”

Gongsun Xiong snorted. “He’s dead. Unless he had an accomplice.”

“If he had an accomplice, he wouldn’t be in this state.”

“You can’t be sure of that,” Elder Ren replied with a faint smile.

However, as he turned away, his brow furrowed with worry.

If Young Master truly took the aura, it would be both a blessing and a curse.

For the Heavenly Dao Aura, the Gongsun family and the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce… they might even turn on the Mu family. It would be troublesome.

“There they are.”

The Gongsun family retainer pointed towards a cave hidden behind a cluster of trees.

Mu Zhi’an and Bai Ruoxi stood at the entrance, clearly aware of their approaching guests.

As Gongsun Xiong and the others descended, their faces grim, Mu Zhi’an greeted them with a warm smile. “Uncle Gongsun, it seems you’ve finished your business?”

Gongsun Xiong was in no mood for pleasantries. He nodded curtly, his voice grave. “The Heavenly Dao Aura… it’s gone.”

Mu Zhi’an’s jaw dropped, his eyes widening in feigned shock. He was putting on quite a performance.

“Stolen? By whom?” he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

Gongsun Xiong narrowed his eyes. “Where were you, Young Master Mu?”

“It vanished shortly after you left. Don’t you find that a little too convenient?” Old Tian added, his gaze fixed on Mu Zhi’an.

“We went after the black-robed man’s clone,” Mu Zhi’an replied.

Gongsun Xiong scoffed. “He’s dead.”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “You’re mistaken, Uncle. His true form is that of a serpent demon. He used a ‘shedding’ technique to feign death. Ruoxi and I noticed it and gave chase.”

“Escaping right under our noses… Are you taking us for fools, Young Master Mu?” Gongsun Xiong’s tone was sharp, laced with suspicion.

“You won’t believe me, but Elder Ren has captured his companion’s spirit. Ask him yourself,” Mu Zhi’an said, gesturing towards the birdcage.

Gongsun Xiong hesitated, his gaze

Mu Zhi’an glanced at Gongsun Xiong, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“But he might not be so lucky.”

The other Core Formation experts, weakened from their battle, wouldn’t risk their lives for Gongsun Xiong. And the Gongsun family retainer, facing a furious Bai Heng and his two guards, wouldn’t fight to the death either.

Gongsun Xiong was on his own.

Bai Ruoxi nodded, allowing Wei Mengrou to lead her away from the impending battle.

That day, Gongsun Xiong sustained grievous injuries.

And that same day, news of the Two Polarities Sect examiner’s arrival in Tianxuan City spread like wildfire, sparking fervent discussions among the populace.