True Heir of Chaos: From Villainess to Empress

Jian Dan finished her exchange with the willow branch, only to be dismissed by it right after. Not that she minded. Today, she was in a particularly good mood.

For once, she poured herself a pot of crystalfruit wine and drank leisurely.

When she had returned to Huanle City the second time, she had sensed the faint presence of the magnolia pendant. Even though its luster was nearly extinguished, she could still clearly feel the unique signal from the family crest etched on it.

Du Yanran had finally entered the cultivation realm. Jian Dan had scanned her with divine sense and noted her mid-stage Golden Core cultivation, but her aura was chaotic and unrefined. Clearly, her advancement hadn't come through honest cultivation.

Through the young steward from the Hua clan, Jian Dan learned that Du Yanran had become a concubine of a Divine Transformation elder from the Yin-Yang Gate. To be honest, she felt a twisted sense of delight. Knowing her enemy was not living well gave her a rare sense of peace.

More importantly, that sense of suppression she once felt in the lower realm had vanished. Now that they were both in the cultivation realm, if Du Yanran dared to scheme against her again, Jian Dan could crush her completely.

Since breaking through to Divine Transformation as a dual path cultivator of both dao and demon paths, Jian Dan's understanding of the Heavenly Dao had deepened immensely. In the nether realm, she could manipulate others to act on her behalf but was restricted from directly killing Du Yanran using cultivation methods. That had always seemed like an invisible shackle.

Now, thinking back, it must have been due to the nether realm being in a decline of spiritual law, rejecting cultivators entirely. Her rapid advancement was an imbalance, and Du Yanran's existence acted as a form of natural correction.

But now the tables had turned. Jian Dan held the absolute advantage. Her prey could no longer hide, and she saw no reason to show mercy. Still, the cat-and-mouse game had its charms. Piece by piece, she would reclaim what was once hers, and let Du Yanran taste the helplessness she once inflicted.

She had just downed a cup of crystalfruit wine when someone knocked at her door. Sweeping her divine sense over the source, she saw it was Cao Chenfeng. Not surprising.

With a flick of her sleeve, the door opened.

Cao Chenfeng stood at the entrance but did not step inside. He gave a respectful bow and presented a jade box.

"Jian Jūnshàng, this was passed to me by Mo Su Jūnshàng on your behalf. I cannot accept an unearned gift and came to return it."

Jian Dan leaned on one hand, eyes half-lidded, swirling the white jade cup in her fingers. She teased lightly:

"Cao-xiaoyou, why not come in? Am I so frightening?"

"I wouldn't dare," he replied solemnly.

She chuckled. "Even if I did have designs on you, I'm not the sort to force my will. Would I truly force myself on you?"

She fluttered her lashes playfully. But her flirtation was wasted. Cao Chenfeng remained as impassive as ever. "Please take this back, Jian Jūnshàng."

Jian Dan sighed dramatically and waved him off. "Alright, alright. Since you feel undeserving, then repay me with a favor instead."

Only then did Cao Chenfeng look up, sneaking a swift glance at her. Her eyes were clear, no trace of drunkenness at all. Realizing she was serious, he nodded.

"What would you have me do, Jian Jūnshàng?"

"Thirty years from now, the Orange Glaze Secret Realm will open. With your Golden Core cultivation, you'll be eligible to enter. I want you to retrieve something from it."

"What is it?"

"True Dragon Blood."

Cao Chenfeng's gaze snapped up. For a moment, he couldn't find the words to respond. The task sounded impossible.

"Don't worry. I'll point you toward the general location. The rest will depend on your luck and strength."

"Very well. It's a deal."

Cao Chenfeng was never one to hesitate. He gave another bow and prepared to leave. But Jian Dan was already standing in front of him, raising a hand to stop him with a smile.

"To celebrate our agreement, why not share a cup with me?"

He pressed his lips together, gave another bow, and quietly left.

The nearby divine senses that had been spying quickly scattered. Jian Dan didn't care. All important words had been transmitted via divine sense. She wasn't worried about leaks.

Still, she played her part. With a look of theatrical disappointment, she closed the door and shut out all prying eyes.

The next morning, Miao Yunrong and Mo Su were already waiting for her. With their business in Huanle City done, it was time to return to the Heavenly Demon Palace.

"Jūnshàng, the world is full of handsome talents. Once we get back to the palace, I'll introduce you to someone even better."

Miao Yunrong teased with a grin, clearly having recovered from her last embarrassment and riding high again thanks to Mo Su Jūnshàng's company.

Even Mo Su allowed a rare smile. Watching Jian Dan trip over her words was a rare and enjoyable sight. He had no understanding of romance, but he enjoyed the drama all the same.

Jian Dan pretended not to mind and steered the conversation back:

"Mo Su Doyou, are we setting out today?"

"Yes, unless something else needs attending to."

"Jūnshàng, the Heavenly Sword Sect also arrived today. I just saw them meeting up with Cao-daoyou. Looks like they're about to leave too. Who knows when you'll see him again? Aren't you going to say goodbye?"

Flashing a mischievous grin, Miao Yunrong urged her to go.

Jian Dan lowered her gaze briefly, then nodded. "If there's no rush, I'll see Cao-xiaoyou off."

"Take your time."

To her surprise, the person sent to retrieve Cao Chenfeng was none other than an old acquaintance, Qi Hua of Tiandu Peak. The two were walking together toward the southern gates. Jian Dan waved her sleeve and appeared not far behind them.

Cao Chenfeng noticed first. He turned around and bowed upon seeing Jian Jūnshàng. Qi Hua, surprised by the commanding presence she exuded, quickly recognized her and offered her own respectful bow.

"Cao-xiaoyou, leaving without a word?"

"I didn't wish to disturb your meditation, Jūnshàng."

"But it's you. You don't count."

Qi Hua caught the subtle undertone of history in Jian Dan's words. She glanced at Cao Chenfeng, but he remained as expressionless as ever.

"I've reunited with my sect sister. We're returning to the Heavenly Sword Sect. Thank you once again for your assistance, Jūnshàng. I will fulfill my promise."

"Good." Jian Dan nodded with satisfaction. "Then allow me to see you off."

"I wouldn't dare trouble you."

Cao Chenfeng's eyelids twitched. A bad feeling crept in. He opened his mouth to decline but cast a subtle glance at Qi Hua, signaling her to get the flying vessel ready so they could escape quickly.

Qi Hua wanted to pretend she hadn't seen, but she and Cao Chenfeng had another mission. Reluctantly, she summoned the flying boat. Cao followed.

Jian Dan's voice rang out behind them:

"Cao-xiaoyou, may three thousand lamps light your path, may flowers bloom in every city for your sake. From this parting on, I hope you will cherish yourself."

With her final word, spiritual roses bloomed across the streets and alleys of Huanle City. From her palm, thousands of silver lotus lanterns made of flame rose into the air.

Miao Yunrong, who had rushed over for the show, was stunned. Even Qi Hua forgot to steer the flying vessel for a moment.

As for Cao Chenfeng, he looked back at the Divine Transformation cultivator standing amid a sea of flowers and lanterns, dressed in radiant black robes, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

And he, finally, laughed aloud.