Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 65

65: The Sect Leader

Helian Ping was stunned. When she had gone to block the door, Jiang Ci clearly hadn’t returned—so how had she ended up lying in bed in the blink of an eye?

Of course, it was also fortunate that she had returned safely. Otherwise, this charade would have been impossible to maintain, and the truth would have been exposed!

Helian Ping felt slightly more at ease, but when she saw “Qin Shuang’s” stiff back, her heart leaped into her throat again.

This was truly a calamity… This was a huge problem!

Yet, contrary to expectations, “Qin Shuang” didn’t react much.

Jiang Ci’s complexion was far from good, and her voice was weak, as if she were ill—definitely not feigned.

The room was filled with the scent of incense, masking most of the pheromones.

Xi Lingxue was sharp-eyed and immediately noticed something was off.

To outsiders, Helian Ping’s playful nature was well-known. Hosting a poetry gathering at her residence and inviting numerous talented scholars and beauties was nothing unusual. But Xi Lingxue understood Jiang Ci—her attendance at this banquet surely had another purpose.

She and Helian Ping must have been plotting something.

Realizing this, Xi Lingxue’s rationality finally regained the upper hand, temporarily suppressing the overwhelming possessiveness that had consumed her.

She would definitely get to the bottom of this—but not now.

Jiang Ci appeared calm on the surface, but internally, she was on the verge of panic.

After all the planning, she never expected Xi Lingxue to show up at this moment!

What’s more, she hadn’t even taken off her shoes and had hastily thrown herself onto the bed. If someone lifted the quilt, they’d see her shoes were still wet from the rain!

The woman’s cold, aloof beauty was concealed beneath Qin Shuang’s mask, but her piercing eyes remained sharp.

When their gazes met, Jiang Ci’s heart raced, feeling as though she were about to be exposed!

Her mind was in chaos. She had just experienced a heart-stopping assassination, her hands stained with bl00d. Now, suddenly back in the warmth of her room, under the dim candlelight, facing Xi Lingxue, it was as if she had returned from hell to the mortal world. Overwhelmed with emotions, she didn’t know how to face her.

Jiang Ci was terrified Xi Lingxue would question her—something she hadn’t even feared when killing Qi Zhan.

Yet, the woman simply leaned down, her slender, pale hand caressing Jiang Ci’s cheek. “A Ci, are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Jiang Ci’s nose tingled, and a lump formed in her throat.

If the woman had lashed out at her—yelled, accused, or interrogated her—Jiang Ci wouldn’t have felt so wretched. She might have even been able to justify keeping her secrets.

But Xi Lingxue didn’t. And that filled Jiang Ci with guilt.

Xi Lingxue had been so open with her—shouldn’t she reciprocate that honesty?

Jiang Ci said, “I… just feel a bit weak… I’ll be fine after resting for a while.”

The woman stared at her, taking in her pale face. After a long moment, she sighed softly. “A Ci, I’m very worried about you.”

“I’m sorry…” Jiang Ci clenched her fists, lowering her eyes. “Let’s return to the residence soon.”

“Alright, the carriage is waiting outside.”

Xi Lingxue finished speaking, then seemed to remember Helian Ping’s presence.

The woman bowed slightly, her tone neither warm nor cold. “This official had no choice but to intrude into the princess’s chambers without permission. I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness.”

Helian Ping: “…”

Earlier, she had wondered why this “Qin Shuang” was so audacious. But now, seeing Jiang Ci’s attitude, it was hard not to speculate.

Back in Yu Kingdom, matchmakers had practically worn out her doorstep—yet Jiang Ci had ignored them all.

The only person she’d ever had any entanglement with was Xi Lingxue!

If “Qin Shuang” was Xi Lingxue in disguise, then everything made sense!

This mad widow! She had actually chased Jiang Ci all the way to Liang Kingdom!

Jiang Ci’s mood was complicated. Fortunately, in front of Helian Ping, Xi Lingxue didn’t ask any questions.

The side effects came and went quickly. After resting for a while, Jiang Ci finally regained some strength.

She turned to Xi Lingxue. “Um… could you wait for me in the carriage first?”

The woman narrowed her eyes. This request only reinforced her earlier suspicions.

…Very well. Keeping secrets from her while conspiring with Helian Ping? What had Jiang Ci promised her the other day?!

Xi Lingxue mentally added another mark to Jiang Ci’s tab.

“Fine,” the woman said, reaching out to pinch Jiang Ci’s earlobe, applying just enough pressure to make her wince. Her lips nearly brushed against Jiang Ci’s ear as she whispered, “When we return, you’d better give me a proper explanation for why you were lying in her bed…”

Jiang Ci’s heart skipped a beat. So this was the retaliation…

Once Xi Lingxue left, Helian Ping finally exhaled in relief.

Jiang Ci threw off the quilt and slowly sat up, sighing. “Sorry about dirtying your bedding.”

“…” Helian Ping pressed her lips together. “It’s fine. I’ll have someone change it later. As for that ‘Qin Shuang’… I’ve guessed her identity.”

Jiang Ci paused. “Don’t spread it.”

If the Empress Dowager found out, who knew what schemes she might hatch?

Helian Ping nodded. “I know. You… did everything go smoothly tonight?”

Jiang Ci’s earlier pallor had worried her. She wondered if Jiang Ci had suffered internal injuries.

“Smoothly.”

Jiang Ci didn’t want to dwell on the assassination. With Xi Lingxue waiting outside, she cut to the chase.

“I’ve already had someone deliver the secret letter to the Grand Priestess. The Empress Dowager is indeed secretly producing gunpowder—and in massive quantities…”

…

After leaving the princess’s residence, Jiang Ci boarded the carriage and returned to the residence with Xi Lingxue.

The streets, freshly washed by the rain, gleamed under the night sky, and the air was crisp.

That night, the Minister of Works was assassinated—while Jiang Ci had merely attended a poetry gathering at the princess’s residence, ostensibly too drunk to continue. No one would suspect the lame, crippled consort.

The journey passed in silence until they returned to their quarters, finally alone.

Xi Lingxue wasted no time locking the door, her dark eyes fixed on Jiang Ci. “Who was it that said, Qianjun and Kunjun should maintain their distance’?”

Jiang Ci swallowed. “I…”

She tried to stand from the wheelchair, but the woman gave her a light push, sending her back into the seat.

Xi Lingxue braced her hands on the armrests, trapping Jiang Ci in place, then leaned down to inhale her scent. “And who promised not to make me worry?”

Her soft lips brushed against Jiang Ci’s skin, sending shivers down her spine.

Jiang Ci gripped the armrests tightly, at a loss for words. “Still me…”

“Then… shouldn’t you be punished?”

“Huh???”

Before she could react, Xi Lingxue bit down hard, venting her anger and frustration.

The scent of plum blossoms unfurled, as if staking a claim, overwhelming Jiang Ci’s senses.

Jiang Ci sucked in a sharp breath.

A moment later, the woman released her, then soothingly licked the mark. “Explain yourself.”

Jiang Ci shuddered, unable to resist wrapping her arms around Xi Lingxue’s waist. “I… I haven’t figured out how to say it yet…”

This woman was too sharp. The truth about the Dark hall would come out eventually.

But how could she phrase it in a way Xi Lingxue would accept?

Jiang Ci hesitated. She was already in too deep—there was no turning back.

The woman moved behind her, pressing her lips to Jiang Ci’s scent gland.

Jiang Ci’s chest burned. She gritted her teeth, fighting the instinct to bite the woman before her.

Xi Lingxue’s pheromones were irresistibly alluring, especially after the assassination. Jiang Ci realized just how desperately she craved her.

Her kisses, her embrace, her scent—they all dispelled the darkness and fear in Jiang Ci’s heart.

She needed her comfort.

But Xi Lingxue pulled away again.

The woman panted lightly, struggling to suppress her own desires. Biting her lip, she asked, “What are you two plotting?”

Jiang Ci licked her teeth, trying to steady her rapid breaths.

This woman was truly wicked—using such tactics against her! Harming the enemy by a thousand while injuring herself by eight hundred—what was the point?!

“I’ll tell you… Just give me a few days to think, alright?”

Xi Lingxue stared intently at Jiang Ci. She could sense that the other woman was involved in something dangerous.

“Fine. I can wait. I told you I’d stay by your side. Even if the road ahead is paved with swords and fire, even if it leads to hell—I’ll go with you.”

With those words, Xi Lingxue turned and left the room.

Jiang Ci remained seated in the wheelchair, dazed for a long time.

…

The next day, the assassination of Minister of Works Liao Yi sent shockwaves through the court. The sudden emergence of the Xiaoyao Sect was the talk of the town, with rumors painting them as near-mythical figures.

“I heard their sect leader is peerless in martial arts—took down Qi Zhan in just a few moves! Even the Dark hall’s assassins can’t compare!”

“Really? But Qi Zhan was one of Liang Kingdom’s top ten experts!”

“It’s true! My cousin’s a guard at the Liao residence—he saw it with his own eyes!”

“Good riddance, I say! That corrupt official had it coming!”

“Shh! Keep your voice down!”

Thanks to the gossip-loving citizens of Liang Kingdom, news spread quickly. Disciples of the Dark hall scattered across the land would soon hear of it.

The Empress Dowager was furious, ordering the Dali Temple to investigate thoroughly. The court was in an uproar, with many ministers bolstering their security upon returning home—some even losing sleep over it.

And who could blame them? Liao Yi’s defenses had been tight, yet he’d died just like that.

The corrupt officials trembled in fear, while the common folk secretly rejoiced.

Jiang Ci’s right hand was freshly bandaged. She rested at the residence during the day, waiting until the dead of night to sneak out to the altar.

With the sect leader’s appearance, some Dark hall disciples were bound to return.

Jiang Ci hadn’t held high hopes—if eight of the twenty-eight constellations showed up, she’d have been satisfied.

With that in mind, she entered the underground palace—only to find over a dozen people already there, some even in the middle of arguments.

“Oh, so Yi Huoshe is here too? Weren’t you the one who swore to blow up the Empress Dowager? When’s that happening?”

“You’ve got some nerve asking me! Ji Shuibao, you failed to assassinate Liao Yi three times—and you still have the face to show up?”

“Hey, hey, didn’t we come to pay respects to the new sect leader? Why are you two fighting already?”

“The Gui Jinyang’s still in prison, and here you are bickering. I really pity the new sect leader.”

“Enough with the sarcasm. If you’re so capable, why don’t you step up?”

…

Jiang Ci’s head throbbed. Now she understood how the Dark hall had fractured.

Mo Sanqi had left for Yu Kingdom without a backward glance, while Long Yin had lost her martial arts. With no one to keep them in line, they’d become a complete mess.

A complete mess that needed to be whipped into shape!

Long Yin stood alone in the shadows, not bothering to mediate. No one listened to her anyway—each had their own grievances. Still, they held some respect for her.

Spotting Jiang Ci’s figure, Long Yin struck her staff heavily against the ground. The hall fell silent instantly.

“All hail the Sect Leader.”

The others followed her gaze, only to see a delicate-looking young woman. They froze momentarily before bowing in unison. “All hail the Sect Leader.”

Jiang Ci kept a stern expression as she strode forward, taking her seat on the central stone throne under their watchful eyes.

As expected, in Liang Kingdom, strength was the ultimate currency.

Jiang Ci swept her gaze over them, then produced the token to confirm her identity. “As you can see, I am the Sect Leader. From this day forth, the Dark hall will obey my commands. No more reckless actions. Those who disagree—step forward and fight me.”

Silence.

The young woman before them might have looked unassuming, but she’d slain Qi Zhan in under half an incense stick’s time. With such terrifying prowess, who would dare challenge her? Her potential was limitless!

Lou Jingou was the first to speak. “We submit wholeheartedly. From now on, we will follow the Sect Leader’s orders without question.”

Jiang Ci studied him, finding him oddly familiar. “You are…?”

“Ah, my apologies for not introducing myself earlier.” Lou Jingou smiled. “This subordinate is one of the twenty-eight constellations—Lou Jingou , Cheng Feng, adept at gathering intelligence and trading secrets. In the jianghu, I’m known as the All-Knowing Sage.”

That sounded impressive.

Jiang Ci eyed him for a moment. “Have we met before?”

Lou Jingou ’s smile faltered. “The day the Sect Leader entered the capital… we crossed paths.”

The reminder jogged Jiang Ci’s memory. “You’re that challenger!”

Back then, she’d been in her carriage when a man blocked her path.

“This humble one is Yin Hu, here to challenge the Consort!”

Though he’d been in disguise, those eyes were unmistakable—he’d been the first to confront her!

Lou Jingou chuckled awkwardly. “Ah, well, I didn’t know back then… Just wanted to test the Consort’s skills…”

“…” Jiang Ci pressed her lips together, suppressing the urge to punch him. “Tell me, what intel have you gathered on me?”

“Well, my information doesn’t come cheap…” He trailed off under her icy stare. “But since the Sect Leader asks, this subordinate will hold nothing back.”

Lou Jingou launched into a detailed account of Jiang Ci’s connections—Xi Lingxue, Jin Yu, Pei Shiyuan, Huang Fu, and so on—along with all the romantic rumors from her time in Yu Kingdom. There was even gossip about her and “Qin Shuang.”

Of course, the fact that Jiang Ci wasn’t actually crippled—and was now the Sect Leader—was something Lou Jingou had only just learned.

“Enough. Stop…” Jiang Ci’s eyes darkened. “You know which people’s information is off-limits, right?”

Lou Jingou broke out in a cold sweat. “Understood, understood. None of it will be sold…”

Each of the twenty-eight constellations possessed unique skills—hidden weapons, disguise, intelligence, tracking, and more. Thirteen had shown up tonight, along with numerous Dark hall disciples. With their combined strength, rescuing the Gui Jinyang would be much easier.

The execution was set for two days later. Jiang Ci skipped the pleasantries and got straight to planning the rescue.

The group tossed out ideas left and right, each more chaotic than the last.

“Wei Yueyan should cover the retreat—her swordsmanship is top-notch!”

“No way. I specialize in ambushes. Why don’t you handle the rear?”

“I’ve always been the vanguard!”

Jiang Ci had had enough. She slammed the table. “Everyone—listen to me!”

Regarding the gunpowder production sites mentioned in the secret letter, she also assigned teams to investigate. Even if the Empress Dowager’s intentions were unclear, stealing the weapons first was the priority. Producing such destructive tools in secret couldn’t mean anything good.

Additionally, Jiang Ci tasked Lou Jingou with gathering intel on Prince Duan. He’d been missing for so long, yet there’d been no news.

Once everyone had their assignments, they dispersed—leaving only Jiang Ci and Long Yin behind.

Jiang Ci was exhausted.

“You’ve performed exceptionally.” Long Yin was referring to the assassination.

Receiving such high praise from her was unexpected.

“Just got lucky…”

“Jiang Ci, the first step is always the hardest—but you’ve done well. From now on, the Dark hall will be your support.”

Those who corrupted the government, abused their power, or acted against the people’s will—all could be eliminated.

Jiang Ci was momentarily stunned. It still felt surreal to suddenly have so many followers.

Perhaps the road ahead wasn’t as bleak as she’d imagined. She wasn’t alone.

…

On the day of the execution, Gui Jinyang and the others were led out of the prison, transported in caged carts to the execution grounds.

Having been imprisoned, they were unaware of recent events.

Gui Jinyang feared no death. But he couldn’t help thinking—that young Qianjun who’d taken the Xiaoyao Token must have chickened out and fled back to Yu Kingdom, right?

The moment the thought crossed his mind, the commoners lining the streets suddenly flung off their hats. Tea-drinkers, vegetable-sellers, fortune-tellers—all drew their blades. Dozens of people emerged in an instant.

Leading them was a tall woman in a demon mask. She effortlessly repelled the escorting soldiers and severed the chains with a single slash.

Jiang Ci kept her voice low, nothing like her usual tone. “Here to rescue you. Let’s go.”

Gui Jinyang froze. This was… that little Qianjun? The Sect Leader?

Impossible!

The Ji Shuibao broke through the chaos, hoisting him over his shoulder. “What’re you spacing out for?”

“How did you all—”

“No time!” The Yi Huoshe hurled a few fire grenades, forcing the soldiers back with sheer firepower. “Just know the Sect Leader’s amazing!”

…

Meanwhile, Xi Lingxue was in a teahouse’s private room, receiving a spy’s report.

The commotion outside startled them both.

Xi Lingxue rose and cracked open the window, peering through the gap.

Below, the prisoner convoy had been ambushed by a group of masked figures.

The leader, a woman in black, moved with lethal grace, leaping onto the cart in a single bound.

“All hail the Sect Leader!”

Xi Lingxue frowned at the woman. “Who are these people…?”

“Likely the Xiaoyao Sect,” the spy said grimly. “First assassinating a court official, now causing an uproar in the capital—boldly rescuing prisoners in broad daylight. They’re truly lawless!”

Xi Lingxue didn’t respond. The black-clad woman’s figure bore an uncanny resemblance to Jiang Ci’s. And hadn’t Jiang Ci mentioned being a disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect?

But she was supposed to be a medical student, studying under Mo Sanqi—surely she couldn’t be the sect leader…?

A sense of unease settled over Xi Lingxue. She couldn’t be certain—but she needed to confirm with Jiang Ci as soon as possible.

…

The Xing Rima had arranged an escape route, smuggling the Gui Jinyang and the others out of the city to lay low and recover.

The prison break caused an uproar, but Jiang Ci had already slipped back to the residence unnoticed. A few Dark hall members followed her.

With few servants in her household, avoiding detection was easy.

“Now even the Empress Dowager won’t sleep soundly!” Ji Shuibao grinned, rubbing his hands. “Sect Leader, what’s our next target?”

“Always so impatient,” Lou Jingou said obsequiously, pouring Jiang Ci a cup of water. “The Sect Leader needs rest too!”

Yi Huoshe nodded. “Exactly! The Sect Leader’s hand is still injured!”

Wei Yueyan leaned against the wall, silently agreeing.

“…” Jiang Ci pressed her lips together. “Could you all keep it down?”

She was beginning to realize these people were simply drawn to strength—they needed a firm hand to keep them in line!

Ji Shuibao and Yi Huoshe immediately clapped hands over their mouths—they’d been the loudest.

Jiang Ci thought for a moment. “Any news on Prince Duan?”

This was the most urgent matter now. She knew Xi Lingxue had also been investigating. The Empress Dowager had promised a thorough search, but after so long, there’d been no leads. Jiang Ci had little faith in Liang Kingdom’s officials.

Lou Jingou said, “This subordinate was just about to report—”

Before he could finish, voices sounded outside the door, growing closer.

Everyone froze mid-action, as if time had stopped.

“Right this way, Lord Qin. My lord returned to his quarters after lunch and hasn’t left since.”

“How are his injuries? Is he resting well?”

“Perfectly fine.”

Jiang Ci had previously instructed the servants not to announce “Qin Shuang’s” visits.

Now, the woman had arrived at her doorstep unannounced.

She’d been careless…

The Dark hall members exchanged glances: What now? Sneak out?

Jiang Ci hadn’t yet figured out how to explain things to Xi Lingxue. She waved urgently: Get out of here!

Wei Yueyan, being a light Qianjun, slipped out the window like a shadow.

Yi Huoshe followed—only to get stuck halfway due to his burly frame.

The other two panicked. The exit was blocked!

Jiang Ci glared, pointing at the other window: Why are you all cramming into one?!

Yi Huoshe: What about me?!

It was too late. Xi Lingxue was at the door.

Ji Shuibao yanked Yi Huoshe back under the bed. Lou Jingou , being slender, squeezed into the wardrobe.

When Xi Lingxue entered, she found Jiang Ci alone, sitting on the bed.

She’d hastily thrown on a white outer robe, and her mask was stuffed under the bedding.

Xi Lingxue paused, sensing something amiss.

Jiang Ci spoke first. “What’s the matter?”

Xi Lingxue studied her closely, stepping closer. “Just here to ask if you’ve figured out how to explain things to me yet.”

Under the bed, two pairs of ears perked up—this sounded juicy.

On the roof, Wei Yueyan lifted a tile, peering down covertly.

Inside the wardrobe, the Lou Jingou pulled out a notebook. Another scoop about this “Lord Qin”!

Jiang Ci forced a laugh. “Maybe… another time?”

Xi Lingxue raised a brow, repeating her earlier move—pushing Jiang Ci onto the bed.

“Isn’t now perfect? Just the two of us.”

Jiang Ci: N-No, it’s really not!