This Is What a Villain Is Like

The wondrous item, shrouded in a mysterious, hazy mist, was rumored to be connected to the Profound Yellow Mother Qi. Its value was immeasurable, its origins untraceable.

The moment this news spread, the resulting commotion was staggering. It was like a meteorite crashing into the deep sea, stirring up colossal waves.

What *was* the Profound Yellow Mother Qi?

It was a Heaven and Earth Wonder said to only appear at the dawn of creation, when Chaos first divided. It was even rarer than the Chaos Mother Qi. A single wisp of Profound Yellow Qi was said to be immensely heavy, capable of easily crushing a great mountain.

And this was the *Profound Yellow Mother Qi*, capable of endlessly producing and nurturing wisps of Profound Yellow Qi.

A Heaven and Earth Wonder of this caliber was beyond description in terms of value. It transcended the understanding of most people.

Frankly, it was better not to know. The members of the younger generation who heard the news were beside themselves with envy and jealousy, grinding their teeth so hard they nearly shattered. How could they ever accept this?

The mysterious white-robed girl who had stolen the show in Qianyuan Prefecture also drew a great deal of attention. Yet, no matter how thoroughly she was investigated afterward, not a single trace of information or record about her could be found.

It was as if she had appeared out of thin air, with no past whatsoever.

And yet, her power was unmatched among her peers, filling all the other youths with a sense of despair.

Even members of the older generation suspected they might not be a match for the white-robed girl.

Furthermore, based on what happened in Qianyuan Prefecture, there seemed to be an indescribable, ambiguous relationship between this white-robed girl and Jiang Lan.

This inevitably led many busybodies to imagine all sorts of tales of love, hate, and tangled emotions. On one side, the most powerful noble in Great Xia, young and cunning. On the other, a reclusive, monstrously talented girl of mysterious origin and unparalleled power...

On the evening the Qianyuan Prefecture competition ended, the Desire Immortal Pavilion was exceptionally lively.

Jiang Lan had already instructed his mansion’s steward to host a banquet here, treating all the youths who had aided him.

Moreover, he gifted away all the Celestial and Earthly Treasures, Spirit Medicines, and inscribed relics he had obtained in Qianyuan Prefecture, not keeping a single item for himself.

The banquet was a lively affair of drinking and feasting that lasted deep into the night, until 9 p.m. It was safe to say that both host and guests had a wonderful time.

After returning to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Jiang Lan discussed some of the events from Qianyuan Prefecture with his father.

Although Jiang Lintian hadn’t appeared at the Central Square, his informants had reported the events to him immediately.

The world was speculating about the identity of the white-robed girl, but he had recognized at a glance that she was Jiang Ruxian in disguise.

Jiang Lan didn’t go into detail about his current entanglement with Jiang Ruxian, and since Jiang Lintian had promised not to meddle, he didn’t press for more information.

As for the Heaven-Reaching Stele, Jiang Lan vaguely revealed a few details, guessing that Jiang Ruxian had found a way to get it to him.

Upon learning of this, Jiang Lintian didn’t inquire further. After all, it was Jiang Lan’s own fortuitous encounter.

However, the extra reward for winning the Qianyuan Prefecture competition was something Jiang Lintian couldn’t quite figure out.

’Could it be because I’ve been more lenient with the Royal Family lately, and Emperor Xia is returning the favor?’ Jiang Lintian mused.

But it was a good thing, regardless. It was enough to suggest that... Emperor Xia didn’t seem to dislike Jiang Lan.

This also gave him more confidence in his future plans.

"The Dragon Transformation Pool is an excellent opportunity. For Emperor Xia to willingly offer up a spot, you must cherish it, Lan’Er."

"Perhaps this will be the opportunity for you to open your Spirit Sea and break through to a new limit," Jiang Lintian said.

He held high hopes for Jiang Lan, the bearer of the Immortal Embryo.

After all, no matter how powerful the Prime Minister’s Mansion was, or how many masters it employed, that was all just external strength. Only by becoming powerful in his own right could Jiang Lan truly stand firm on his own.

’Open my Spirit Sea?’ Jiang Lan just smiled noncommittally.

With his current power, opening his Spirit Sea was something he could do with a mere thought. After all, his true Spirit Sea was the Destiny Dao Fruit.

’Now that the outside world is paying more and more attention to me, I suppose I do need to make a breakthrough in my superficial cultivation to keep up appearances.’

「The next day」

Jiang Lan, in accordance with the customs of Great Xia, changed into a stately, moon-white robe. With You’Er’s help, even the lapels were arranged without the slightest wrinkle. A jade stone like polished obsidian, emitting a soft, pearlescent glow, hung from his waist.

His jet-black hair was tied in a neat topknot, secured with an exquisite white jade coronet from which silk ribbons cascaded down. His tall, slender figure made him appear all the more divine, like a sculpture of jade—noble and sublime.

"Master, you look so handsome..." You’Er’s cheeks flushed red.

Nearby, Li Mengning sulked, annoyed at her own clumsiness. She could only watch as You’Er straightened Jiang Lan’s lapels and coronet. ’I’ll have to get You’Er to teach me in private,’ she finally decided.

’Hasn’t she spent her whole life fighting in arenas? How does she even know how to do things like this...?’

「Outside the Imperial Palace」

Two of the top three finalists from the Qianyuan Prefecture competition were already waiting.

One was a young Celestial Pride from the Profound Yin Ancient Sect named Yin Shiming. He had delicate features and a chilling, sinister aura that made him feel like a venomous snake.

The other was a capable-looking woman in black with plain features. Her eyes, however, held a terrifying sharpness, as if a direct gaze could wound one’s eyes.

Her Swordsmanship was exceptional and her power was formidable. Had it not been for the mysterious white-robed girl, she would have been considered the dark horse of the Qianyuan Prefecture competition.

It was said she was the disciple of one of Great Xia’s three reclusive Sword Immortals. Her name was Wuhua.