True Heir of Chaos: From Villainess to Empress

"This matter went rather smoothly. I probed Jian Jin from the Heavenly Sword Sect, but he didn't let anything slip. Said he'd just come out of seclusion and was following Jian Li's orders to complete a mission."

"Mm. I received word earlier. Jian Li has temporarily taken over the Law Enforcement Hall. Jian Jun and several Void Refinement cultivators from the Daoist sects seem to be jointly exploring a spatial rift. No news has returned yet."

"I heard as soon as I returned to the sect that Mo Su is back, and that he's already broken through to Divine Transformation?"

"Yes. He was fortunate this time."

"Well, of course. A good master raises an exceptional disciple. Mo Su is most like you."

Hearing praise for his disciple, Palace Master Mo Lie allowed a rare smile to appear on his usually stern face and nodded approvingly.

"But I also heard he brought back a female cultivator. What's that about? Rumors are flying in the sect. Some say she's Mo Su's Dao companion, others say she's the descendant of Mo Mei Zhūnzhǔ. There are even claims she's a Loose Cultivator who happened to advance to Divine Transformation while training with Mo Su, and voluntarily chose to follow him."

Mo Lie sighed. Though Mo Yi always acted easygoing, he had a special knack for collecting gossip. That was partly why Mo Lie had sent him on the bug extermination mission—to keep his ears clean and make use of Mo Yi's... talent. And yet, the moment he returned, he was at it again.

Mo Lie flung a jade slip over without further comment.

"See for yourself. If you spent half as much energy on cultivation as you do gathering rumors, would Jian Li have left you in the dust?"

Mo Yi, engrossed in the information, didn't even lift his head. "He has a lightning spiritual root. Born to counter demon cultivators. Losing to him doesn't shame me."

"Hmm?"

Mo Lie cast him a cold look. Mo Yi, having read the slip, noticed the stare and chuckled sheepishly.

"Don't worry, Palace Master. I'll work harder. Can't let myself fall too far behind. Where's the pride in that?"

"By the way, where's Yunrong? I brought a gift to congratulate her on reaching Nascent Soul."

Mo Lie's smile faded. He casually picked up another jade slip and said, "I've confined her to seclusion to stabilize her cultivation. She acted recklessly this time, sneaking out to find Mo Su. Fortunately, things didn't go wrong. But with her current abilities, she dares claim she's ready to travel the cultivation world?"

"Palace Master, Yunrong was just worried about Mo Su. He was gone for twenty years. If not for his soul lamp remaining lit, even you would have panicked."

"That's enough. Don't spoil her. This time, she'll have a proper seclusion. Yanli was worried and went with her. Don't disturb them."

"Yes."

"Now that Mo Su has reached Divine Transformation, I plan to have him train in Mo Lian Palace and stabilize his realm. Find time to guide him."

"No problem. I was going to ask about that female cultivator anyway."

"Do as you like."

Mo Lie waved him off. Mo Yi didn't mind. He cupped his hands and left the main hall.

…

Ever since being quietly injured by Jian Dan, Shi Ci had spent a long time recovering. He now had no way of contacting Miao Yanli Zūnzhě, nor did he dare return to Jian Dan's side. While hesitating on what to do, he received a transmission talisman.

Reading its contents, he immediately tidied himself and hurried to Jian Dan's residence.

"Your command, Jūnshàng?"

"I feel like taking a stroll. Are there any scenic spots in the Heavenly Demon Palace?"

"The outer five peaks each have their charm," Shi Ci said smoothly. "One is filled with blood plum blossoms, its fragrance lingers throughout the mountain. Another grows nothing but inkcloud orchids, dark as ink and drifting like clouds. One is forested with ghostcry bamboo, whose wailing wind is favored by male cultivators practicing the sword. Another is blanketed in blooming longevity chrysanthemums, colorful and beloved by female cultivators for making scented sachets. The final peak is surrounded by multicolored light. They say if you can catch the light and refine it into your artifact, it can change its appearance."

Jian Dan listened with interest. She had to admit, every option sounded appealing. Besides, it was about time she stopped hiding. She had never been the type to stay in the shadows for long.

"Let's go see the blood plum blossoms today. The weather's good."

"Yes, Jūnshàng. This way, please."

It took some time to reach the outer peaks. When Jian Dan's flying vessel landed, she found the mountain already dotted with visitors. Not wanting to be disturbed, she descended directly at the summit.

The peak had a spacious platform with a coral-red pavilion nestled among the thick trunks of blooming blood plum trees. Cool fragrance wafted gently through the air.

"Here will do."

"I'll go prepare—"

"No need. Just pick a few blossoms for me. I'll bring them back to my quarters."

With a flick of her hand, Jian Dan summoned a reclining chair into the pavilion, along with a low table holding a white wine pot and cups.

Shi Ci immediately understood. His Jūnshàng had clearly come prepared. Without delay, he turned to harvest some of the fullest blossoms nearby.

Jian Dan leisurely poured herself a drink. She took out her long-neglected round fan, gave it a soft wave, and closed her eyes, letting the scent of the plum blossoms deepen. A short nap sounded perfect.

Just then, a voice pierced the tranquility, light and laced with arrogance.

"What beauty from which peak dares to occupy this young master's pavilion?"

A man in black robes, aura of a Divine Transformation cultivator radiating off him, stood just outside the pavilion, clearly trying to provoke her.

Jian Dan had noticed his arrival the moment his light descended. The fact that he had made such an entrance meant he was aiming for her.

She opened her eyes, a flash of blue light flickering in her gaze. Without rising, she gently rocked her chair and asked, "And who might you be?"

"Ma Feijun, Peak Lord of Mo Ying Peak."

"A pleasure, Peak Lord Ma. But I've looked over every corner of this pavilion and haven't found your name etched anywhere."

Ma Feijun had been waiting for her to flatter him. Instead, she jabbed back. Still, as a mid-stage Divine Transformation cultivator, he expected some deference.

"No matter," he laughed. "If you like this place, feel free to visit often. Still, I find flowers pale in comparison to beauty. You're far more stunning than any blossom."

He flicked his sleeve, trying to appear dashing.

'Did this guy just flirt with me?'

Jian Dan stopped rocking her chair and gave him a long look from head to toe. Ma Feijun, thinking she was impressed, puffed out his chest and unfurled a folding fan with practiced flair.

"And where did you get the confidence to think you're some sort of heartthrob?"

Ma Feijun's fan froze mid-air. His good mood evaporated. He had offered her face and gotten sarcasm in return. His expression darkened as he released his mid-stage Divine Transformation pressure, letting it roll toward her like a rising tide.

"Hmph!"

Jian Dan casually waved her round fan. The gesture seemed to scatter the pressure like mist. She opened her mouth and said lightly,

"Why don't you dance for me instead? I could use a bit of entertainment."

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