The Villain is Soft and Clingy [Transmigration] - Chapter 23.1
The person stood in the cold wind, expression indifferent, lips slightly pursed, looking at the black python with considerable displeasure, as if intending to turn it into salt and pepper roasted snake.
…Black clothes, black hair, beast-tooth necklace.
No matter how Xia Zhitiao looked, she found a striking resemblance to the black-clad woman who had saved her in Shuijing Lake and guarded her for so long. Her eyes widened, and joy filled her heart.
*To think I searched high and low, only to find my savior right before my eyes!*
But Xia Zhitiao’s happiness lasted less than two seconds. On second thought, something felt off. Senior Sister Lu Guo had said that there was only one person who perfectly matched all these characteristics—
The Demon Sect Leader, Zhang Kuang?!
Xia Zhitiao was momentarily stunned, her mind a bit jumbled. Beside her, Jin Li lay on the ground, looking at the scene before her with a hint of excitement: “Wow, I actually get to see the Demon Leader in person?! Worth it!!”
Little Red Fish, as always, floated behind her, wagging its flame-like fins and “gurgling” bubbles.
Jin Li rubbed Little Red Fish’s head, sighing, “If we survive this, I’ll treat you to fried chicken later.”
Wang Yan, having only recently arrived at Yashan, hadn’t immediately recognized the person. She merely assumed help had arrived. Her earlier despair vanished. She grabbed her long sword and rushed over, excitedly shouting, “I’ll help you!”
The black-clad woman said coldly, “Step aside.”
She strode past Wang Yan without even a glance. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, brushing against the silver thread-embroidered scale patterns on the edge of her black robe.
Wang Yan was about to pursue and help, but her brother Wang Ze abruptly grabbed her arm, pulling her back forcefully.
He whispered something softly to her, and Wang Yan froze, even dropping the long sword in her hand with a “clunk” onto the ground.
She stammered, “Zhang, Zhang Kuang?”
Zhang Kuang remained silent, which was as good as admitting her identity.
—
The giant python in front continued to shriek, baring its menacing white fangs, opening and closing its maw with a *chkk chkk* biting sound. With a sway of its body, it actually snapped several vines.
Everyone felt a surge of tension, thinking, *This isn’t good.*
Although Zhang Kuang’s luminous vines looked numerous, they were actually quite thin. They probably wouldn’t hold the black python for long.
And this black python had chased them for half a street, its persistence relentless. If the Demon Sect Leader couldn’t defeat it and ran off, their small team would likely be completely wiped out.
Zhang Kuang, calm and collected, slowly said, “Just a fifth-tier demon beast, yet it dares to be so arrogant.”
She stepped through the swirling mist. With each step forward, more luminous vines shot up from the ground, aggressively lunging and firmly imprisoning the black python in place.
The black python, bound by countless vines, struggled even more violently. It bared its maw at Zhang Kuang, its roars deafening.
“…Overestimating yourself.”
Zhang Kuang made a slashing motion with her hand, releasing a spiritual blade from her fingertips.
The massive spiritual blade whistled through the air, even severing and crushing the surrounding trees. With a resounding “boom,” it powerfully struck the black python.
With just one strike, the thick scales were shattered by the spiritual power, clattering to the ground. A deep gash, incredibly grotesque and bone-deep, was carved into the black python’s body, revealing the immense power of the blow.
The onlookers: “!!!”
*Earlier, the four of them fought with all their might. All their techniques thrown out seemed to merely tickle the black python. They couldn’t even penetrate its scales; all their attacks hit empty air.*
*Look at that light, that wind, that force, that critical hit power—this is what you call a big boss!*
Everyone was stunned. Jin Li was the first to react. She sprang up, waving her arms vigorously: “Go, Demon Leader, I believe in you!!”
Everyone: “???”
*You’re an immortal spirit of Yashan! Why are you cheering on the number one enemy, the Demon Sect Leader? Are you betraying us that quickly?!*
Xia Zhitiao wondered if she had been “infected” by Jin Li. As if possessed by a ghost, she also shouted, “Go!”
Zhang Kuang clearly heard the two “Go!”s, one after the other. She stumbled, almost losing her footing.
A leader is a leader. She quickly regained her balance. She gazed at the giant python, a clear, transparent petal clutched in her fingertips.
The black python shrieked from intense pain, its demonic power overflowing. With a few “cracks,” it instantly broke free from all the vines.
Its massive body freed, the black python’s red eyes glared furiously. Its body nearly covered the entire sky. Roaring, it charged directly towards everyone!
Before anyone else could react, Jin Li wailed, “It’s over, we’re going to die!”
Zhang Kuang: “…………”
Black mist swirled and billowed, surging like a tide. As the dark ink gradually faded, what emerged was countless layers of clear, transparent petals.
Zhang Kuang reached out, making an empty grasping motion. The swirling petals spontaneously gathered in her palm, condensing into a sharp, long sword.
…Three breaths.
She tapped her foot. Her figure abruptly soared into the air. Wind surged into her black robe, her clothes fluttering and flapping.
One breath, Core Formation.
Spiritual power leaped restlessly, roaring as it surged from all directions, rustling the leaves.
The white sword, condensed from petals, was infused with surging spiritual power. Zhang Kuang gripped the hilt tightly, slashing horizontally at the approaching giant python.
One breath, Void Transcendence.
Bl00d splattered, scales scattered. The giant python took the full force of the blow. A gruesome gash was carved between its red eyes.
Many of its ink-black scales were broken. Its attacks, however, became even more ferocious, with a relentless intent to kill.
Zhang Kuang’s expression didn’t change. She lowered her gaze slightly and softly said, “Come.”
As if summoned, spiritual power surged forward, flowing into her body in layers.
One breath, Great Accomplishment.
Spiritual power around her suddenly exploded. Familiar power surged back into her body. Zhang Kuang clasped her fingers, her eyebrows slightly raised.
Countless clear petals enveloped her, brushing past her scattered long hair, sweeping over her dark black robe.
Zhang Kuang seemed to be in a better mood. She opened her fingers, and the large patches of petals floating in the air instantly dissipated, condensing into several sharp, light swords.
“Go,” Zhang Kuang said indifferently.
The light swords buzzed, all aiming at the black python. Like arrows released from a bowstring, they shot out directly, whistling as they slammed into its body.
This strike was massive and deafening. The immense spiritual power vibrated, causing the surrounding trees to fall and collapse, and dust to scatter everywhere, creating a scene that looked as if the forest would be razed to the ground.
Zhang Kuang descended, her black robe billowing in the wind. Her black boots landed softly, quietly touching the ground again.
When the dust settled, the giant python was already motionless.
Its carcass lay piled like a mountain, and a brilliant purple crystal condensed from above it, floating to Zhang Kuang’s side.
“What did I say earlier, hmm?”
Zhang Kuang stopped in front of the python’s head, which was as tall as her. She whispered, “—’You’ll see,’ right?”
She reached out and took the clear crystal, tapping it with her fingertip: “As I said, I’ll take this crystal.”
Jin Li was stunned. She leaned close to Xia Zhitiao, whispering, “Look at that luster, look at that quality—I’ve never seen a purple demon beast crystal in my life!! It’s so beautiful!”
Xia Zhitiao also quietly told her, “Me neither. This is even my first time seeing a fifth-tier demon beast.”
Zhang Kuang’s gaze fell on the two talking. Her expression paused slightly. She casually tucked the crystal into her embrace. Standing there, she hesitated for a moment, then quietly walked towards the group.
—
Black boots stepped over piled branches and leaves, making a faint “rustling” sound.
Zhang Kuang lifted her eyelids slightly, her voice languid: “How strange. Usually, there’s not a soul here, but today I ran into so many from Yashan. My luck is quite good.”
“But for you all, meeting me,” Zhang Kuang smiled, “is probably a huge stroke of bad luck.”
Wang Yan gripped her sword tightly, biting her lower lip, her voice trembling: “Demon Sect Leader, Zhang Kuang!”
“Oh?” Zhang Kuang slowly said, “You dare to directly call my revered name? Quite bold.”
She raised her arm, a golden petal balanced between her slender white fingers, reflecting a tiny glint in her dark eyes.
Wang Ze’s face was pale. He forcefully pulled his sister, Wang Yan, behind him.
He stood in front, his body trembling slightly, and whispered, “Demon Leader, this disciple is still young and ignorant. If she has offended you, please forgive her… If you truly cannot let it go, then let me take the punishment in her stead.”
“Quite protective of her,” Zhang Kuang said nonchalantly, holding the petal. “But do you really think I’m that easy to talk to?”
“Brother!” Wang Yan suddenly stood up, pushing away Wang Ze, who was blocking her.
She clutched her long sword tightly and shouted sharply, “Zhang Kuang! Even if you destroyed the Shura Sect, making you half a benefactor to my brother and me, now that we are disciples of Yashan, it is absolutely impossible for us to let you go!”
Zhang Kuang: “…”
Xia Zhitiao: “…”
*Wang Yan, the person opposite you is the Demon Sect Leader. Never mind whether you can defeat her, your brother Wang Ze kept it hidden, but you just exposed both of your sibling identities. Isn’t that just giving her leverage?*
Seeing her simple and direct nature, Xia Zhitiao knew this child definitely had no ulterior motives. Although she wasn’t close with Wang Yan, the other was, after all, the junior sister’s roommate. Xia Zhitiao felt she couldn’t just stand by and watch her court death.
Xia Zhitiao stood up, blocking the two, and pressed down Wang Yan’s sword that was pointed at the Demon Leader, saying:
“Don’t be impulsive yet, let me say a few words.”
Wang Yan still gripped her sword tightly, and Xia Zhitiao, caught off guard while trying to shield her, came face to face with the Demon Sect Leader.
Zhang Kuang was dressed in ink-black, a silver-edged black robe casually draped over her shoulders. Her cheeks were framed by the soft fur collar, making her skin appear even colder and paler, like jade.
She obediently looked at Xia Zhitiao, waiting for her to speak.
Her smooth, long hair was loosely tied, falling over her shoulders like dark clouds, cascading over her slender white neck, which was partially hidden by the black robe.
Facing the novel’s biggest BOSS, the Demon Sect Leader who could turn clouds into rain with a flick of her hand, Xia Zhitiao felt inexplicably nervous. Her mind went blank, and all the grand praises she had prepared were completely forgotten.
“Uh, this, Demon Leader…”
Xia Zhitiao stammered for a long time before piecing together a sentence, “Your Excellency, Demon Leader, I am their senior sister. This time, I’m also the team leader responsible for entering the Demon Beast Forest, and then…”
—She got stuck.
*Where was her usual eloquent self, the one who could leave the supervisory party speechless?* Xia Zhitiao desperately wanted to bang her head against a wall. *Why was it that after seeing Zhang Kuang, she inexplicably couldn’t even speak clearly?*
Zhang Kuang watched her quietly, her long, delicate lashes lowered, seemingly hesitating. After a moment, she spoke softly and slowly: “Don’t be nervous.”
She paused, seemingly weighing her words: “I was just… passing by. I had no intention of harming you all.”
*Eh, she’s that easy to talk to?*
Xia Zhitiao didn’t expect such a reply. She cautiously looked up and happened to catch the other’s expression.
Zhang Kuang averted her gaze, looking at the empty depths of the forest, and smiled helplessly.
The smile was very faint, just a slight pursing of her lips, extremely restrained. Her dark eyes were also dull, without luster.
Xia Zhitiao was stunned.
She knew clearly that this person was the big villain BOSS in the book. She should avoid her at all costs, staying far away.
But the other person merely smiled, and Xia Zhitiao’s heart became like soft marshmallow, collapsing at a gentle touch. She also felt an urge to reach out and pat her head, to comfort her.
However, Zhang Kuang quickly suppressed her smile. Her face cold, she snapped her fingers.
With a soft “snap,” the scattered petals in the air connected into a line, gently sweeping past them, forming a circle around them.
Wang Yan watched the surroundings warily and shouted, “What are you doing?!”
“Since you’re here, stay for a while,” Zhang Kuang said blandly. “If you want to live longer, I advise you not to touch the barrier.”
“You dare imprison us!!”
Wang Yan’s temper flared. She grabbed her sword, ready to charge and strike, but Xia Zhitiao and Wang Ze, quick-handed, “clapped” her back down and covered her mouth.
Xia Zhitiao held Wang Yan’s arm, truly wanting to earnestly advise her: *Child, if you can’t win, don’t fight. Impulse is the devil.*
Wang Ze restrained his sister, saying gravely, “Let’s not make any moves for now. Let’s observe the situation. The masters will surely arrive soon.”
“It better be,” Zhang Kuang said, glancing at them as she listened to their conversation. “I don’t have much patience.”
With that, she left the somewhat bewildered team and walked to the other side of the barrier, sitting down against a tree.
The group was thus virtually imprisoned within the circle. The Wang siblings remained tense. Xia Zhitiao was lost in thought. Jin Li, however, was the calmest of them all.
Jin Li pulled out a rug from her storage ring, spread it on the ground, and motioned to the others: “Come on, Zhitiao, Wang Ze, and Junior Sister Wang Yan, why are you nervous? Sit down and rest a bit.”
She even waved to Zhang Kuang, who was sitting in the distance, and shouted, “Oh right, Demon Leader, are you coming?”
Zhang Kuang: “…”
Wang Yan panicked: “Senior Sister Jin Li, why are you calling that demon that?!”
Even Wang Ze frowned, criticizing, “Senior Sister Jin, think before you act.”
Jin Li’s expression didn’t change. She chuckled happily: “Oh well, this demon beast forest is full of dangers. Having the Demon Sect Leader protect us, isn’t that great?”
Zhang Kuang: “…………”
Xia Zhitiao covered her face, not wanting to speak.
Among her eight teammates, one was impulsive and spoke without thinking, one was so carefree they could have a picnic in front of the Demon Sect Leader, and four others vanished without their names even appearing.
All things considered, it seemed only Wang Ze was somewhat reliable. Their future was truly uncertain, and hope was dim.
—
Yashan always said that the Demon Sect Leader had an erratic temperament, and wherever she went, she would inevitably bring a storm of bloodshed, leaving no survivors.
Xia Zhitiao couldn’t entirely agree with the “no survivors” part, as she was still alive and well. But “erratic temperament” seemed to hold some truth.
She dealt with the black python with a few slashes, set up a barrier with spiritual power, and then, looking fierce, threatened everyone for a few moments—
But it turned out to be a lot of bark and no bite. She truly just trapped them, and then she herself retreated to the side.
*What was she thinking?*
Xia Zhitiao carefully glanced at Zhang Kuang twice. Seeing that she showed no intention of attacking, she subtly shuffled closer to her junior sister.
The junior sister lay in her original position, with an “=o=” expression, her body cold, her eyes slightly closed.
Xia Zhitiao took off her outer robe and gently wrapped it around her junior sister’s body.
Zhang Lan lay in her arms with her eyes closed, leaning on her shoulder, soft and small, very light, as if she had no weight at all.
*…Wait… a… minute!!*
Xia Zhitiao suddenly realized something, and a very bold idea formed in her mind.
She looked at the unconscious Zhang Lan in her arms, then at Zhang Kuang, who was leaning against the tree, eyes closed in meditation—
*Sure enough, these two must be the same person!*
Although it sounded shocking at first, Xia Zhitiao felt her “wild” guess had some truth to it.
One unconscious, one awake, similar names, and the Demon Leader’s clumsy acting skills seemed to subtly reveal something.
Although the novel didn’t explain the reason, before Zhang Kuang became the Demon Sect Leader, her name was indeed “Zhang Lan.” Later, for some unknown reason, she changed her name to “Zhang Kuang.”
Now that she thought about it, a woman’s sixth sense was frighteningly accurate.
On the first day the Grand-master brought the junior sister into the mountain, Xia Zhitiao had been suspicious when she heard the name “Zhang Lan.”
However, the junior sister was so well-behaved and loved clinging to her all day, so Xia Zhitiao simply assumed she was someone with the same name and didn’t think of the Demon Sect.
Although she had been deceived for so long, Xia Zhitiao felt no shame or anger. She was both amused and a little helpless about this child.
*Thinking carefully, did the junior sister even “deceive” her?*
After all, the other person had never revealed her identity, and Xia Zhitiao had never directly asked questions like “Are you the Demon Sect Leader?”
However, there were still some oddities.
First, she had no kinship with Zhang Kuang, nor had they ever met. There was no reason for the other person to do this.
Second, Zhang Kuang was clearly incredibly powerful and lived freely in the Qiling Mountain Demon Sect. Why would she go to such lengths to sneak into Yashan?
Xia Zhitiao couldn’t figure out these two questions. She decided to tentatively reserve judgment on the junior sister’s true identity and observe for a while longer.
She turned to look at Zhang Kuang, seeing her leaning against the tree, twisting a clear petal in her fingers, staring into the distance, as if lost in thought.
Xia Zhitiao leaned forward slightly and tentatively said, “Zhang Kuang?”
Zhang Kuang opened her eyes, turned her head towards her, and said, “Mm, I’m here.”
Her voice was very soft, with a mellow trailing tone, incredibly gentle, just like the perpetually well-behaved junior sister who always followed behind her.
Seeing that Xia Zhitiao didn’t speak, Zhang Kuang turned her body, looking at her earnestly, and softly inquired, “What’s wrong?”
Xia Zhitiao’s heart suddenly skipped a beat. Zhang Kuang’s voice was too much of a cheat—pure and clear, devoid of all defenses and wariness, completely shedding all aggression.
Seriously, intently, speaking only to her.
Xia Zhitiao suddenly had a strange feeling, a “presumptuous” delusion… She inexplicably felt that no matter what question she asked, the other person would answer her properly.
*What kind of daydream is this!*
Xia Zhitiao steadied her racing heart and quietly asked, “I’m a little curious, why did you suddenly appear here?”
“Actually, I had a slight suspicion before,” Zhang Kuang seemed a little tired, raising a hand to rub her brow, “but I didn’t expect it to be true.”