Chapter 224: The Missing Protagonist

'As expected... this girl.'

Ji Yilan couldn't help a wave of relief flood over her, as she observed the engrossed expression on her daughter's face.

She had initially foreseen that if Jing Miaoyao agreed to yield her painstakingly earned bloodline to Jiang Chen, it might cultivate a root of remorse in her heart.

But presently, it appeared that this girl was even prepared to give herself to Jiang Chen!

As for Jiang Chen, he observed Jing Miaoyao's conduct, yet he wasn't surprised in the slightest.

Jing Miaoyao, the character mainly misleading the protagonist Gu Ran, had undoubtedly incited a deep-seated resentment within him.

The mysterious hand of Heavenly Fate seemed to have cast Jiang Chen in the role of Gu Ran's antagonist, likely aiming to inflame a seething rivalry between them.

Aside from protagonist Gu Ran's innate aversion and natural scorn for the villain, any additional reasons for hostility would simply spice up the situation.

The 'Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo', Gu Ran's bloodline, being ceded to Jiang Chen - this served as the most potent wellspring of enmity.

Furthermore, there was Jing Miaoyao. If she were to form any close relationship with Jiang Chen, it would unquestionably amplify Gu Ran's animosity for Jiang Chen to an even greater extent!

'How should I handle Gu Ran?'

Jiang Chen mused, unable to reach a conclusion swiftly.

Firstly, if he chose to feign camaraderie with Gu Ran, he would have to decline Ji Yilan and the 'Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo' bloodline.

Refusing Ji Yilan would perhaps discomfort her, the Jing Clan, and the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect. Even so, they would not dare to voice their dissatisfaction.

However, denying the 'Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo' bloodline would imply its return to Gu Ran!

As the protagonist, Gu Ran would undoubtedly grow more potent with this item's possession.

Additionally, having vanquished three protagonists in the past, Jiang Chen was intimately aware of the inherent suspicion and caution a protagonist harbored towards him.

What if he failed to befriend Gu Ran, yet ended up returning the 'Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo' bloodline, thereby making Gu Ran even more formidable and challenging to confront?

If he took the 'Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo' bloodline for himself, the hostility would surely escalate.

There seemed to be no plausible way for him to handle Gu Ran as he had with Lin Feng and Fang Yuan, hiding hostility beneath a façade of cordiality.

'Alas.'

'The main problem is my limited understanding of the protagonist Gu Ran; if not, I wouldn't be so torn. I'll have to take things as they come.'

'...'

Jiang Chen deferred making a decision, deciding to observe how events would unfold.

At that moment.

"Honorable Holy Son!"

"This isn't a suitable place for discussion, please come with me."

Ji Yilan spoke to Jiang Chen, her tone nearly fawning.

"Please lead the way."

Jiang Chen raised his hand, replying with a warm smile.

"He's so enchanting!"

Jing Miaoyao, completely enchanted, observed each of Jiang Chen's movements.

Next, guided by Ji Yilan, the group utilized a series of hidden short-range teleportation arrays and discreetly arrived at the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island.

The Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island, the main base of the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect, was the largest island in this sea area, stretching far and wide.

After navigating through the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island for a while, they swiftly reached Ji Yilan's cave dwelling - a fine and opulent house with a small courtyard.

The quaint courtyard was festooned with countless gauze curtains that billowed in the sea breeze, creating an ethereal spectacle reminiscent of a fairyland.

By this time, the high-ranking members of the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect had gathered and were waiting at the entrance of the cave dwelling.

This included Sect Master Jing Chengwang and the two Supreme Elders, Le Zhengren and Zhu Zhihai.

The issue of the 'Ten Thousand Stars Dao Embryo' bloodline was of significant importance, and knowledge of it was kept among only a select few.

Indeed, some who had previously participated in duping Gu Ran for his bloodline had been silenced.

Upon sighting Jiang Chen, Jing Chengwang, Le Zhengren, and Zhu Zhihai promptly stepped forward to greet him.

"Holy Son Jiang Chen, I've long held you in high regard. Welcome, welcome!"

"Holy Son Jiang Chen, it's said that seeing is believing, and today, I can attest that you indeed stand out from the masses. I am in awe!"

"Your capability to eliminate a Transcendence realm grand powerhouse is truly beyond comprehension. Holy Son Jiang Chen, accomplishing such a feat at such a tender age is indeed commendable!"

"Indeed, even if I possessed the Purple Heaven Immortal Martial Sword, I would surely meet defeat!"

"..."

Jing Chengwang, Le Zhengren, and Zhu Zhihai all wore congenial smiles, showering Jiang Chen with praises.

They had learned early that Jiang Chen was a prodigious talent who had dispatched a Middle-stage Transcendence realm demonic powerhouse, and was fated to ascend as the sovereign of the Immortal Martial Continent!

When it came to forging connections with Jiang Chen, all of them exhibited warmth and fervent enthusiasm.

"You overpraise me, esteemed seniors."

Jiang Chen responded modestly. "I was only able to vanquish the demon after its strength had significantly waned, dwindling to the level of the Dao Palace realm."

As he spoke, Jiang Chen appraised Jing Chengwang and the other two with his Villain's Eye.

However, he found the Fate Value of these three Dao Palace realm individuals was surprisingly low. It seemed their time was nearing its end.

After some more courteous exchanges, everyone proceeded into Ji Yilan's plush residence and found seats.

With Gu Ran, the protagonist, preoccupying his thoughts, Jiang Chen promptly redirected the conversation.

"I've deployed numerous individuals to probe into Gu Ran's location."

"Yet, there's no sign of Gu Ran, as if he has dissipated into thin air!"

Ji Yilan admitted, an undercurrent of unease coursing through her heart.

Her primary task from Jiang Chen was to locate Gu Ran.

Despite their strenuous attempts, they had failed to trace him.

The thought of her subordinates' incompetence was enough to push her to the brink of ire.

"So he still hasn't been located?"

"That's fine. Gu Ran is not a simple character. It's not surprising that he remains elusive. Continue the search, intensify the efforts."

Jiang Chen responded coolly, his concerns about Gu Ran growing subtly.

The Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect was not a small faction; it was brimming with seasoned experts.

Gu Ran was simply a minor disciple, barely managing to attain the Mysterious Platform realm.

The fact that Ji Yilan's underlings couldn't locate him indicated that he must have extraordinary abilities to conceal himself!

It was still unclear whether he utilized external tools or employed a certain secret art.

"Yes!"

"This time, I will personally undertake the task!"

Ji Yilan assured total compliance with Jiang Chen's instructions.

Upon hearing her declaration, Jiang Chen's expression swiftly altered. "Hadn't you personally searched for Gu Ran before? Didn't I request you to confirm if his body was still there?"

Dispatching subordinates to tangle with the protagonist was like bestowing experience and resources!

That's why he had previously urged Ji Yilan to personally ascertain if Gu Ran's body was still present.

But what was the result? Ji Yilan had still sent her minions instead!

"This... um..."

"I thought a regular individual should be adequate enough to inspect Gu Ran's body..."

Upon observing Jiang Chen's shifting expression, Ji Yilan immediately grew apprehensive, carefully selecting her words.

As for Jing Miaoyao, she scrutinized Jiang Chen thoughtfully, musing: 'Even in displeasure, Holy Son Jiang Chen remains so charismatic!'

"Ah, such is the way of people."

Jiang Chen let out a gentle sigh.

If he hadn't been away from the Lustrous Yang Domain earlier, he would have personally examined Gu Ran's body as soon as the bloodline incident transpired.

However, the situation hadn't allowed for that.

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