I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

“Ahem…” When going out with the Empress Qin, Ye Yong had to consider the feelings of Wu Xue and the others. His dream was a harmonious harem, so he would certainly avoid any points of contention that might spark trouble. He said to Xiao Huan, “You don’t need to lie for us. If Xiao Xue asks, just say I was worried about disturbing their training, which is why I didn’t inform them right away. Besides, this outing with Shidream is just a trial run. You know, with our reputations, if we’re discovered, it could cause quite a stir and trouble. Bringing you along might complicate things.”

“I understand, I get it,” Xiao Huan nodded.

Ye Yong felt her response was a bit dismissive, as if she didn’t truly believe him, which made him a tad awkward: “This time, I’ll use a magical artifact to reduce the perception of us by the outside world. If this outing doesn’t cause any issues, I’ll take you all out tomorrow.”

“Got it, I’ll relay everything.”

——

Before heading out, Ye Yong still needed to inform his elders. After all, having made such a splash, he was seen as a precious treasure by the demonic sects, one they would destroy if they couldn’t possess. Currently, the Ye family was not in seclusion, and the strongest among them, Grandfather Ye, was at the sixth level of the Transformation stage.

As a powerful figure in the Transformation stage, Grandfather Ye’s judgment was certainly sharp. Gaining his approval would likely mean the others would agree as well.

“Oh? You’re going to Ninghai City?” Grandfather Ye, named Ye Wen, appeared much younger than his years due to his high cultivation, looking just over thirty. He pondered for a moment: “In a big city, no one would dare to harm you, but you must return home. Once you leave the city and enter the wild, the dangers will increase significantly. How about this? I’ll escort you there, and when you wish to return, just let me know, and I’ll bring you back.”

This is what it means to be the family’s cherished darling. A powerful Transformation stage master personally escorting two juniors without a hint of displeasure, even showing a face that suggested he would be unhappy if Ye Yong refused.

“No need to trouble Grandfather Ye.” Ye Yong shook his head, producing a device to lower his presence and activating it: “Please look elsewhere.”

Ye Wen complied, and when he turned back, he found Ye Yong had vanished. After a careful search, he discovered Ye Yong was merely a couple of steps away from where he had stood, clearly not having gone far: “What kind of artifact is this? Quite remarkable.”

“You can think of it as a tool to reduce a cultivator’s aura.”

Having lived for a thousand years and being a master of the Transformation stage, Grandfather Ye understood Ye Yong’s meaning immediately. Coupled with Ye Yong’s practice of the advanced “Breath-Holding Technique,” his cultivation could not be sensed, and once he blended into the crowd, finding him would be like searching for a needle in the ocean.

“Alright, you’ve grown up. I won’t interfere with what you want to do, but do be careful not to put yourself in danger. If you’re going out, use the back door to keep fewer people aware of your movements.” With that, Ye Wen personally led Ye Yong to the back door of the Ye family estate, where advanced restrictions were in place, guarded by two managers at the Nascent Soul level.

“Have you seen Elder Wen, Young Master Yong, Miss Qin Shiming?” The manager of the Yuan Ying felt a flicker of curiosity, for it was rare for anyone to come this way. “May I ask what brings you here?”

“Open the door.” Ye Wen spoke with a tone that carried the weight of a powerful transformation master, his voice low and indifferent, as if he held no regard for the Yuan Ying manager’s presence.

The manager dared not ask further; the barrier required two to unlock it. Soon, the back door creaked open.

“Thanks to Lord Qi, and to both of you.” After Ye Yong departed with Qin Shiming, Ye Wen’s sharp gaze fixed on the two managers. “Yong’er is still at home. You did not see him leave, understood?”

The managers nodded vigorously.

“If I return to hear any whispers of this leaking, I will hold you both accountable!” After intimidating the two who appeared older than himself, Ye Wen stepped through the back door.

The two Yuan Ying managers exchanged glances, bewildered.

“What do you think Young Master Yong will achieve this time?”

“Uncertain, but judging by Elder Wen’s serious expression, it must be significant.”

“With Young Master Yong around, the Ye family will only grow stronger.”

Completely unaware of the unfolding events, the managers could only assume that Ye Yong had caught wind of something important to handle.

As for Ye Wen, who quietly followed them out, he claimed not to interfere with Ye Yong, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t protect him from the shadows.

After all, the future hopes of the Ye family rested entirely on Ye Yong, and Ye Wen would not allow any mishap to befall him.

“Eh? Why did they leave so quickly?” Ye Wen noticed that after merely exchanging a few words with the manager, he stepped out to find Ye Yong and Qin Shiming already vanished.

“Perhaps the Tian Luo Sect bestowed upon him many rare treasures. It’s fortunate I know they’re headed to Ninghai City; otherwise, it would be quite embarrassing for a dignified transformation master to be outpaced by two juniors.”

—

27 Ninghai City

Even in seclusion, Ye Yong persisted daily in adding black steel liquid to the little magic carpet, for it took only a few seconds and did not hinder his alchemical practices. Yet, even with such little time spent, it was enough to cause significant changes in what was once a yellow-grade fifth-tier flying artifact. The little magic carpet had now advanced to a mysterious second-tier, its speed greatly enhanced.

Qin Shidream had sat upon it several times, and she could distinctly feel the difference: “Is this the flying carpet from before?”

“Indeed, I acquired some refining essence, and after replenishing it, it has advanced.”

Qin Shidream ran her fingers over the carpet, which shimmered with a metallic sheen yet possessed a curious softness: “You are quite affectionate and friendly towards the people and things around you.”

Though she had never dabbled in refining, Qin Shidream understood that to elevate the quality of an already formed artifact, the essence used must be of high caliber.

And high-grade advancement essence, its worth could rival countless yellow-grade artifacts.

“Some things, when they linger by your side for long, evoke feelings. I suppose I am one who clings to the past.”

“Those who cherish the past value loyalty.” Qin Shidream smiled lightly: “It truly aligns with the impression you give me.”

Ye Yong did not consider himself particularly loyal; it was merely the mindset of an ordinary person. He brought forth several plates of spiritual delicacies and brewed a pot of tea, engaging Qin Shidream in a discussion about her understanding of sword intent.

They traversed desolate mountain forests and bustling village towns, and as night fell, after two hours, a multitude of vibrant fireworks could be seen rising in the distance.

Without a doubt, that was their destination: Ninghai City.

Fireworks were not uncommon in the world of the New Emperor and the Middle Emperor; their inception traced back thousands of years to an obscure alchemist who stumbled upon their creation.

How arduous is the path of alchemy? That obscure alchemist had never studied systematically nor had a master, and naturally faced countless setbacks. However, he discovered that the failed products of his alchemy, when ignited, produced explosive sounds and beautiful sparks. Thus, he shifted his trade from a would-be alchemist seeking to earn spirit stones from cultivators to a fireworks craftsman earning coins from common folk.

To this day, the styles of fireworks are diverse, yet they remain perilous, thus subject to strict regulations. Ordinary people cannot purchase them; they belong to the realm of the wealthy.

Ye Yong, well-versed in the sword intent of the Nascent Soul, had no trouble guiding Qin Shidream, who grasped the sword intent of the Golden Core.