This Is What a Villain Is Like

Jiang Lan quickly turned his head away and averted his gaze. Only then did Jiang Ruxian blink, feigning ignorance about the cause of it all.

However, she was softly murmuring to herself, ’The Heaven-Reaching Stele...’

It was a Supreme Treasure that had appeared in Qianyuan Prefecture in her past life, which she later obtained. It possessed vast divine powers, such as imprisonment, sealing, and Destruction.

It recorded the corresponding Heaven-Reaching Skill, which had a total of four primary forms. However, each form could evolve into hundreds of profound variations, each containing terrifying power.

She had long since mastered it and could control it at will.

Her trip to Qianyuan Prefecture was ostensibly to help Jiang Lan win first place. In reality, her purpose was to make the Heaven-Reaching Stele appear ahead of schedule and acknowledge him as its master.

To outsiders, it would simply look like a sentient Divine Object choosing its own master. No one would read too much into it...

As for whether Jiang Lan would find out, Jiang Ruxian didn’t care. As long as it helped him, that was all that mattered.

His current strength was simply too weak. Whether it was because of his pride or the past grievances between them, he certainly wouldn’t want her to step forward and protect him.

Therefore, the best way to protect him was to help him become stronger.

...

"Just who is that girl in white? Why does it look like she and Jiang Lan are already well acquainted?"

"And why does Jiang Lan’s attitude toward her seem so strange..."

"It’s rather jarring to see that dandy act like this."

Outside, on the Central Square, an uproar erupted.

The numerous Immortal Sect Elders and members of the Nobility were also stunned. They had expected a good show, but the events that unfolded were the complete opposite of what they had anticipated.

The girl in white had actually come to help Jiang Lan, and yet he acted cold and almost disgusted...

What had the world come to?

"Could it be related to that secret incident at the Prime Minister’s Mansion back then..."

"I’m afraid that girl in white’s background is anything but simple."

Only Prince Zhenbei, Xiao He, seemed to have made a connection. His expression suddenly became grim and uncertain.

There were, in fact, faint rumors about this matter in the Imperial Capital, but not many people dared to truly investigate it.

For certain reasons, he had learned some news during a conversation with the National Master, Ge Qixing.

But watching Jiang Lan humiliate Xiao Teng and even order someone to break his legs filled him with a burning rage. He shot up from the high platform, his hideously scarred face radiating a startling Evil Qi.

Xiao Teng’s injuries could be healed later, of course, but being treated this way in front of so many ministers and nobles was a terrible disgrace.

Inside her carriage, Emperor Xia watched with great interest. The idea of Jiang Ruxian intentionally helping Jiang Lan was somewhat within her expectations.

After all, she was one of the few who had personally witnessed the "history" between Jiang Ruxian and him.

But... it was Jiang Lan’s attitude toward Jiang Ruxian that truly intrigued her.

’You have such a powerful sister who is willing to do anything for you, yet you refuse to take advantage of her help, nor do you show any gratitude...’

’What are you thinking? Is this intentional? Or do you truly want to sever all ties with her?’

She narrowed her eyes, her gaze falling upon Jiang Lan’s incomparably handsome face, and a strange feeling came over her.

That day at the Desire Immortal Pavilion, when she had mentioned his sister to Jiang Lan, his expression had been just as placid, completely unruffled. He had even said that the two of them had nothing to do with each other anymore.

At the time, she had assumed he was just saying it casually, but now... it seemed he had been telling the truth.

’But is it for the sake of his so-called pride, or does he genuinely not want to use his sister?’

’Judging by Jiang Ruxian’s attitude, she would likely agree to anything he asked without a moment’s hesitation.’

"What’s this?"

But a moment later, the intrigued look on Emperor Xia’s face was suddenly replaced by sheer astonishment.

All the ministers on the high platform, along with the Elders from the various Immortal Sect Lineages, cried out in alarm as well.

Many even shot to their feet in disbelief, their eyes glued to the astonishing phenomenon deep within Qianyuan Prefecture.

A mysterious substance, wreathed in a bright yellow aura, flew out from the deepest reaches. It seemed to be wrapped in a dense, shimmering Chaos Fog.

Even through the image reflected in the Round Mirror, they could sense its ineffable mystery and immense, surging aura.

"That wisp of aura..."

"It’s the Profound Yellow Mother Qi."

"How is that possible?"

Deep within the Observatory Building, the National Master, Ge Qixing, shot to his feet. Golden light spilled from his eyes as an astonishingly turbulent aura, as vast as an ocean, surged from his body. His mind was in turmoil.

And in the next moment, under the shocked and disbelieving gazes of everyone present...

That mysterious substance plummeted from the sky, heading straight for the snow-white figure on the Bihu Lake Shore and instantly enveloping him.

Everyone could clearly see the look of shock and astonishment on his face, as if he himself had absolutely no idea what was going on.

The entire Central Square in the Imperial Palace fell so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

After a long moment, a chorus of shocked and stunned voices finally erupted.

"Why did it choose him?"

"Divine Objects have spirits and choose those with whom they share a fate, but why on earth would it choose him...?"

The numerous Immortal Sect Elders simply could not believe their eyes.

Emperor Xia’s face also betrayed her shock and astonishment. She even lifted the curtain of her carriage and stepped out, her gaze fixed upon the Round Mirror.

However, a moment later, a vast and brilliant radiance erupted from within, flooding the sky and instantly obscuring the entire Round Mirror, blurring the image beyond recognition.