This Is What a Villain Is Like

’But he only had eyes for Jiang Ruxian, never seeing the little tag-along that I was...’

’No matter how hard I tried, his eyes were only for her.’

’After so many years, could he truly let it all go and move on?’

Hearing her question, Jiang Lan seemed to ponder it seriously before looking at her and saying, "Whether I was content or not, that’s all in the past."

"What I hold in my arms right now is what’s most important to me."

Li Mengning’s eyelashes trembled, and a mist seemed to well up in her clear, tranquil eyes.

Jiang Lan let her rest her head against his chest, then gently rested his chin on the ends of her dark hair, seeming to savor the peace of the moment.

"The champion of this Qianyuan Prefecture competition will get a chance to enter the Dragon Transformation Pool." He then remembered the matter at hand.

"I’ll help you..."

Li Mengning looked up, instantly understanding what he meant.

...

「The next day, on the wide plaza outside the Imperial Palace’s Central Hall.」

The Profound Bird Imperial Chariot hung high above. Its curtains were like clouds, and Dragon Energy steamed from it, dazzling and radiant. It was like a great sun hanging high in the sky, illuminating the world.

Emperor Xia reclined on a soft couch and ordered his handmaiden, Spring Orchid, to issue the command.

This competition for Qianyuan Prefecture had been a fierce battle, far more exciting than in previous years, which had greatly pleased the Emperor.

To show his appreciation and display his vast imperial grace, Emperor Xia decreed that the champion of the Qianyuan Prefecture competition would be granted one chance to enter the Dragon Transformation Pool deep within the Imperial Palace.

Once this news spread, it immediately caused a huge uproar. The Noble Families and Clans, the Nobility, and the Immortal Sect Lineages were all shaken.

Great Xia’s Dragon Transformation Pool, also known as the Nirvana Pool, was almost never opened to outsiders.

Even disciples of the Royal Family had to be exceptionally talented and brilliant to be qualified to enter.

As for Disciples of the Daoist Inheritance Immortal Sects, it was utterly unthinkable.

A former Emperor of Great Xia once used the Dragon Transformation Pool to cultivate a Yinglong with atavistic blood, which awed the world. The pool still retained much of that essence and Dao Rhyme.

And now, Emperor Xia was making an exception, opening the Dragon Transformation Pool for the champion of the Qianyuan Prefecture competition.

This reward made many older-generation cultivators and living fossils gasp in shock, their eyes red with envy. They wished they were several hundred years younger.

Many of the younger generation in the Imperial Capital who had been keeping a low profile and had not participated in the competition could no longer sit still.

After hearing the news, they immediately contacted their backer Sects and rushed toward the entrance of Qianyuan Prefecture.

Qianyuan Prefecture would remain open for half a month, during which time any young cultivator could enter, even Loose Cultivators had a chance.

That Emperor Xia would spare no expense on a mere appetizer before the Southern Hunting trials left many people stunned.

People began to speculate that there must be someone among the younger generation in Qianyuan Prefecture whom Emperor Xia favored and intended to cultivate, which was why he was making an exception to open the Dragon Transformation Pool.

In an instant, the number of young people eagerly rushing to participate surged.

Even the many young cultivators who had entered Qianyuan Prefecture early and already occupied advantageous areas received the news, and their ambitions burned even hotter.

"The Dragon Transformation Pool?"

Within Qianyuan Prefecture, inside a complex of buildings made from bluestone, Xiao Teng, Ye Ming, and the others also heard the news, their faces filled with shock and astonishment.

"Rest assured, Third Young Master, we will definitely help you seize the champion’s title."

"Let’s see who dares to stand in our way."

Xiao Teng’s young retainers and followers all voiced their guarantees.

Even many Disciples from Yijian Palace chimed in, willing to help Xiao Teng.

This made the smile on Xiao Teng’s face widen, and his confidence grew even stronger.

He even had a faint feeling that Emperor Xia had opened the Dragon Transformation Pool specifically for him, a private kitchen to help him transform again and increase his strength.

Among all the young Celestial Prides who had entered Qianyuan Prefecture, none had a relationship with Emperor Xia as close as his.

His father, Prince Zhenbei, was one of Emperor Xia’s Vital Ministers, and his master, National Master Ge Qixing, belonged to a lineage that openly supported the Royal Family.

Ye Ming, however, who was standing beside Xiao Teng, did not look pleased after hearing the news. He did not join the others in their assurances.

’If it were any other fortuitous opportunity, Xiao Teng might have let me have it. But a chance to enter the Dragon Transformation Pool? He would never give that up...’

Ye Ming naturally understood how precious the Dragon Transformation Pool was. While it might not allow one to Reverse Innate, it was more than capable of reconstructing one’s foundations.

He had failed to obtain the Immortal Embryo Creation Dew in the Purple Mist True Monarch’s Secret Realm, a failure that had become a persistent regret.

’And now Emperor Xia is opening the Dragon Transformation Pool. Isn’t this giving me a second chance?’

’Unfortunately, there’s only one spot for the Dragon Transformation Pool. Would Xiao Teng give it to me?’

"You don’t have to be discouraged just yet. The champion’s title is something to be fought for with one’s own abilities. The opportunities obtained within Qianyuan Prefecture are witnessed by the outside world; there’s no chance for any favoritism or cheating."

"While Xiao Teng has retainers and followers to help him, you’ve already obtained quite a few opportunities yourself. If you can draw out the Chaotic Spiritual Qi from the depths of Qianyuan Prefecture, you can crush all the others in one fell swoop..." the Old Ghost’s voice rang in Ye Ming’s mind.

This made him nod to himself.

"Besides, now that this news is out, the number of young cultivators coming to compete will skyrocket. It’s still up in the air whether Xiao Teng can even win the title..." the Old Ghost chuckled.

A glint flickered in Ye Ming’s eyes. He silently thought to himself, ’Sorry, Xiao.’

Meanwhile, similar scenes were playing out in other regions of Qianyuan Prefecture.