The Villain Marked the Protagonist's Fiancée (Through the Book) - Chapter 30

Ji Ruxue snorted coldly. “You’d better take care of yourself.” With that, she turned and strode away.

She needed to report this matter to the Clan Leader as soon as possible so he could make preparations.

Heavenly Evolution Sect, Main Peak Hall

“That Jade Flood Dragon has gone too far! Not only has she injured two Supreme Elders, but she’s also trampled the dignity of our Heavenly Evolution Sect. If we let this go unpunished, what will the other sects think of us?”

“Wuwei speaks the truth. We can’t let this matter rest.”

“Gentlemen, are you forgetting that the Jade Flood Dragon is determined to kill the Supreme Elders? Five hundred years ago, she nearly died at their hands. She’s been lying dormant for half a millennium, and now that she’s emerged, this matter will be difficult to resolve peacefully.”

“Hmph, it’s just a beast. We’ll kill it.”

“Daoist Wuwei has always been a model for us all. Why don’t you go and meet the Jade Flood Dragon next time she appears?”

The Peak Lord of Refining Peak, named Wuwei, immediately fell silent.

The Sect Leader turned to Lu Bo, who sat in the main seat, and humbly asked, “Supreme Elder, what is your assessment of this matter?”

Lu Bo’s gaze swept across the assembled cultivators, silencing them instantly.

Withdrawing his gaze, he spoke in a deep voice, “The Jade Flood Dragon has mastered a Killing Domain. Judging by the injuries on Yunhua and Xie Yunfan, this domain is saturated with murderous intent. Once trapped within, cultivators below the Tribulation Transcendence realm would face near-certain death.”

The Sect Leader’s heart tightened. He knew Yun Xiao was formidable, but he hadn’t realized the extent of her power.

Without even exerting her full strength, she had effortlessly wounded two Supreme Elders, Xie Yunfan and Yunhua. Had Lu Bo not intervened, they might not have escaped with their lives.

“She won’t let this go, Sect Leader. We must contact the Three Great Sects immediately and prepare for the worst.” With that, Lu Bo vanished from the hall using the Instantaneous Shift Technique.

Given his current status, such trivial matters didn’t require his attention. He only needed to intervene when the Sect faced a grave crisis.

His involvement this time was solely out of consideration for Yunhua’s reputation.

As for Xie Yunfan, he was nothing but a troublemaker. The current instability within the Heavenly Evolution Sect could be largely attributed to his influence.

As the Supreme Elder, Lu Bo had repeatedly interfered in sect affairs, refusing to mend his ways despite repeated warnings. If he were Bai Mofeng’s disciple, he would have long since received a lashing with the Discipline Whip.

The moment Lu Bo left, the Peak Lords and Elders resumed their bickering.

The Sect Leader stood in place for a moment before summoning his disciple. “Go personally,” he instructed, “and invite the Sect Leaders of the Three Great Sects to a council meeting at the Heavenly Evolution Sect in five days.”

Two days later, at the Azure Cloud Sect’s main peak, the Elders and Peak Lords gathered in the main hall, silently awaiting Bai Mofeng’s words.

Bai Mofeng cut straight to the chase. “To be frank, the Heavenly Evolution Sect Leader’s eldest disciple personally visited me this morning, inviting me to a gathering at their sect.”

Chu Hui immediately interjected, “If I’m not mistaken, the Heavenly Evolution Sect’s invitation likely concerns the battle at Dreamcloud Mountain. They want the Azure Cloud Sect’s assistance.”

Bai Mofeng nodded. “Correct. As far as I know, the Heavenly Evolution Sect has also invited the other two Great Sects.”

Upon hearing this, the assembled members exchanged uneasy glances.

Yu Hui set down her teacup with a soft hmph. “The Heavenly Evolution Sect is certainly playing its cards shrewdly, using the Three Great Sects to sever the personal grudges stirred up by their Supreme Elder.”

Bai Mofeng abandoned all pretense and spoke plainly, “Elder Yuhui’s words are absolutely correct. The Demon Clan has been moving through various Market Cities recently and even sent representatives to meet with Yun Xiao. Their intentions are clear, requiring no further speculation.”

“In recent years, conflicts between the human and demon races have intensified, making peaceful coexistence increasingly difficult. They aim to use Yun Xiao to ignite a full-scale war between the two races. Could this not be an opportunity for our Azure Cloud Sect?” Yu Hui rose to her feet, her voice measured. “The Four Great Sects may appear harmonious on the surface, but beneath the facade, their rivalries persist.”

“Ever since the Azure Cloud Sect and Heavenly Evolution Sect annulled their engagement four centuries ago, the Heavenly Evolution Sect’s disciples have been sabotaging us openly and covertly, causing widespread resentment among our own disciples.” Her gaze sharpened, revealing her ambition. “The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind it. If we seize this opportunity, it’s not impossible for the Azure Cloud Sect to become the leader of the Four Great Sects.”

Bai Mofeng’s hand tightened within his sleeve as he stood up to dissuade her. “Once war breaks out between the races, countless lives will be lost—”

“Isn’t this precisely why the Sect invests resources in their cultivation?” Yu Hui slowly turned, her gaze sweeping across the assembled Elders. “Do you not wish to elevate the Azure Cloud Sect to greater heights and etch its name into the annals of the Heavenly Origin Realm?”

The Azure Cloud Sect had remained dormant for years, adhering to a philosophy of benevolence. If this opportunity could elevate them to the head of the Four Great Sects, they would become the sect’s greatest benefactors.

Seeing more and more disciples wavering, Bai Mofeng discreetly sent a message to Fang Zhiluo.

At that moment, only Martial Aunt Fang could persuade Elder Yuhui to reconsider.

Upon receiving the message, Fang Zhiluo teleported into the hall, her voice ringing with authority. “The Heavenly Evolution Sect seeks to protect Xie Yunfan. This is their internal affair and has nothing to do with our Azure Cloud Sect.”

Elder Yuhui’s expression darkened at being publicly contradicted by her disciple. “The Four Great Sects must act in unison,” she retorted. “The Heavenly Evolution Sect has already extended an invitation. If the Azure Cloud Sect refuses, the other two sects will surely take offense.”

Fang Zhiluo was well aware of Elder Yuhui’s rising anger, but the matter was too grave to ignore. Even if she faced reprimand later, she would bear it.

She strode to the center of the hall, her voice turning icy. “Yun Xiao has mastered the Killing Domain. Its ferocity has been personally experienced by Yunhua and Xie Yunfan. Moreover, she is accompanied by a White Dragon whose strength rivals that of an early Tribulation Transcendence cultivator.”

Seeing the apprehension in the eyes of the assembled cultivators, she continued, “Yun Xiao’s cultivation surpasses mine. I am no match for her. Moreover, the other two sects have already agreed to Heavenly Evolution Sect’s terms, which means we would inevitably have to call upon our Tribulation Transcendence cultivators.”

She left the implication hanging in the air. The Four Great Sects possessed only a handful of Tribulation Transcendence cultivators, and sacrificing one of their Sect’s cornerstones for the sake of another’s cause would be a foolish move.

The assembled cultivators understood the unspoken message immediately. They realized they couldn’t afford the losses that involvement in this matter would entail.

Fang Zhiluo’s innate talent was exceptional. At just six hundred years old, her cultivation had already reached the mid-stage of Tribulation Transcendence, making her the Azure Cloud Sect’s most promising candidate for ascension.

If Fang Zhiluo herself admitted she couldn’t defeat Yun Xiao, the other Supreme Elders would likely fare no better.

For centuries, the Azure Cloud Sect had been overshadowed by the Heavenly Evolution Sect. Losing another Tribulation Transcendence cultivator would only worsen their precarious position.

For the sake of empty prestige, it simply wasn’t worth the risk.

Bai Mofeng and Chu Hui exchanged a glance, both seeing relief in each other’s eyes.

Bai Mofeng cleared his throat and declared, “Since the Supreme Elder has made her position clear, the Azure Cloud Sect will withdraw from this agreement—”

Fang Zhiluo interrupted Bai Mofeng’s unfinished words, “I’ll go.”

Yu Hui’s brow furrowed deeply as she rebuked sharply, “Nonsense! You’re the Supreme Elder of the Azure Cloud Sect now. To leave the mountain for such a trivial matter would make us a laughingstock.”

Before Fang Zhiluo could reply, she declared decisively, “I’ll go.”

Chu Hui’s heart, which had just settled, leaped back into her throat. She shot a questioning glance at Bai Mofeng, silently asking what was happening.

Bai Mofeng felt equally helpless. Five hundred years ago, after Yu Hui’s old ailment had finally healed, she had abandoned her reclusive ways, now willing to attend various public events.

Moreover, Fang Zhiluo’s extraordinary innate talent had propelled her cultivation to unprecedented heights, making her the youngest Tribulation Transcendence cultivator in the Heavenly Origin Realm. Her fame had long eclipsed that of Xie Yunfan.

As her master, Yu Hui’s status had naturally soared. Her influence extended far beyond the Azure Cloud Sect; even ordinary people outside the sect dared not offend her.

Logically, Yu Hui’s presence at the Heavenly Evolution Sect would carry far more weight than that of the Sect Leader himself.

However, Yu Hui had just voiced her ambitious aspirations. To agree now would undo all their previous efforts.

Catching Bai Mofeng’s thoughtful expression from the corner of her eye, Fang Zhiluo immediately understood his concerns. She gave him a reassuring glance, signaling him to remain calm.

As the meeting concluded, the attendees gradually rose from their seats and departed.

Yu Hui passed by Fang Zhiluo’s side and murmured, “Come with me.”

Fang Zhiluo arrived at Yu Hui’s Cave Abode. No sooner had she settled in than Yu Hui swept the teacup off the table.

Fang Zhiluo lowered her gaze, understanding that her master was venting her displeasure.

“Now that you’re a Supreme Elder, you no longer need to respect me as your master,” Yu Hui said, her eyes fixed on Fang Zhiluo. “When you blocked the Azure Cloud Sect from intervening, were you acting for the sect’s benefit, or for your own selfish reasons?”

Fang Zhiluo’s voice carried a hint of helplessness. “Once a master, forever a mother. No matter how high my cultivation rises, you will always be my master.”

“Hmph, words are cheap,” Yu Hui retorted, settling into her seat, her expression softening slightly. “You left the sect immediately after emerging from seclusion. Did you go to see her?”

Though framed as a question, her tone was certain.

Fang Zhiluo answered truthfully, “Yes.”

“And your reluctance to see war break out between the human and demon races—is that also for her sake?” Yu Hui’s face darkened, her eyes sharpening like blades. “From the moment I took you in, you belonged to the Azure Cloud Sect. Whatever the reasons, their rejection of you remains an undeniable fact.”

Fang Zhiluo was inwardly startled. Did her master know she was a demon?

When had she been exposed?

“Don’t think I’m unaware of your schemes. I’ll overlook your petty machinations for now, but I’ll say it again: you must never act against the Azure Cloud Sect’s interests.” With a dismissive wave, Yu Hui signaled that Fang Zhiluo could leave.

Heavenly Evolution Sect, Forbidden Zone of the Back Mountain.

Xie Yunfan swallowed a Medicinal Pill and leaned back against the couch.

The pill’s restorative properties had largely healed his superficial wounds, but his internal injuries would likely take three to five years to fully recover.

Overwhelming hatred swirled in his eyes. Damn Yun Xiao! Not only had she survived the fall from Broken Cliff, but she had also advanced her cultivation to the late Tribulation Transcendence stage. Even his Master was no match for her now.

He mentally inquired, “Old Qiu, do you have a way to deal with that Jade Flood Dragon?”

“In terms of cultivation, you’re no longer her equal. You’ll have to outsmart her.”

Xie Yunfan’s interest piqued. “Do you have a reliable plan?”

“Make her the target of universal hatred, someone everyone wants to eliminate.”

“How?”

“To ignite the fury of the other three Great Sects, sacrifices will be necessary.”

Xie Yunfan’s mind raced, quickly grasping Old Qiu’s meaning: he was being instructed to frame Yun Xiao.

Only when the knife pierces your own flesh do you truly feel the pain. To compel the Three Great Sects to fully commit to helping the Heavenly Evolution Sect overcome this crisis, there was no better method than dragging them into the conflict.

Hearing footsteps, Xie Yunfan swiftly suppressed the sinister glint in his eyes, feigning despondency as he stared blankly at the cave ceiling.

Seeing Xie Yunfan’s vacant gaze and the lingering aura of despair surrounding him, Yunhua felt as if he had been transported back five hundred years. The Xie Yunfan whose Dantian had been shattered had looked exactly like this.

He strode to the bedside and urged, “Don’t worry. Your master will avenge you.”

Xie Yunfan shook his head slightly. “Master, Yun Xiao’s Killing Domain is too formidable. I don’t want you to risk yourself either.”

“If I can’t handle it alone, there are other Supreme Elders. With our combined efforts, we’ll surely slay that beast beneath our swords,” Yunhua said, his eyes burning with ruthless determination.

The Jade Flood Dragon had repeatedly harmed his beloved disciple and trampled his dignity. If he failed to avenge this humiliation, his Dao Heart would remain unstable.

Xie Yunfan feigned reluctance, his voice dropping. “Master, there’s no need. The Three Great Sects might refuse to intervene. After all, this is ultimately a personal feud between Yun Xiao and me.”

Yunhua clenched his fist, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. “They wouldn’t dare.”

“Whether they dare or not, we’ll know in a few days,” Xie Yunfan replied, coughing twice, his face paling.

This time, it wasn’t an act; the pain was real.

Yunhua fell silent. Despite his reluctance to admit it, he knew his disciple spoke the truth. The Three Great Sects would likely find excuses to avoid involvement.

He needed to devise a way to unite them with the Heavenly Evolution Sect against their common enemy.

Recalling Yun Xiao’s words from that day, Yunhua stepped forward and helped Xie Yunfan lie down. After a moment of contemplation, he finally asked, “Tell me truthfully, are you experiencing any other discomfort?”

If a primordial spirit truly resided within his disciple’s Sea of Consciousness, it would undoubtedly overhear their conversation. To avoid alerting the enemy, Yunhua could only communicate through written notes.

Xie Yunfan recognized the characters “元神” (Primordial Spirit) written by Yunhua. Shocked, his mind raced with possibilities.

Old Qiu’s existence had always been an unpredictable factor. If his master could eliminate Old Qiu, Xie Yunfan’s cultivation might advance further, perhaps even reaching ascension.

The thought ignited his heart. He answered smoothly, “No,” while giving a slight nod as acknowledgment.

“Rest well. Tell me if you need any medicine.”

Yunhua didn’t linger. He strode out of the Cave Abode, his aura crackling with fury.

A Primordial Spirit had been hiding right under his nose for so long, and he hadn’t noticed a thing. Worse, he had to be alerted by a beast!

Flower City.

Yun Xiao locked herself in her room, pondering how to lure Xie Yunfan out of the Heavenly Evolution Sect.

The Demon Realm wanted to use her to ignite a war between the two races, and the Heavenly Evolution Sect might not be any different. To avoid turning her personal vendetta into a conflict with the entire Sect, she needed a subtle approach.

If she could trick Xie Yunfan into leaving the Sect, she was confident she could kill him in one swift strike.

The problem was that Xie Yunfan now knew her capabilities. Even after recovering from his injuries, he would likely be wary of leaving the Sect.

Unable to devise a plan, Yun Xiao rose and left her room. With a leap, she landed on the roof of the inn.

Slightly extending her Divine Sense, Yun Xiao could hear and see every move Flower City made.

Suddenly, the conversation between two men caught her attention.

“Remember when Immortal Fang Jie was rejected by Immortal Xie Jie? Everyone mocked him, saying he wasn’t worthy. But thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—now Immortal Fang Jie’s cultivation has surpassed Immortal Xie Jie’s.”

“Isn’t that all because of the Jade Flood Dragon? They say it damaged Immortal Xie Jie’s Dantian.”

“Come on, even if you had a few more years, your cultivation would still be stuck. This proves how important innate talent is.”

“Strange, though. Immortal Xie Jie’s Dantian should have healed within a few years, with minimal impact on his cultivation. How did Immortal Fang Jie overtake him?”

“With the Jade Flood Dragon back, Immortal Xie Jie might be finished.”

“Nonsense! Even if that dragon is powerful, can it really fight multiple opponents alone? The other Three Great Sects aren’t pushovers.”

“Brother, you’re behind on the news. That day, the Jade Flood Dragon not only severely injured Immortal Xie Jie but also Cloud Blossom Tribulation Immortal. If another Tribulation Immortal from the Heavenly Evolution Sect hadn’t intervened, both would have perished.”

“If the Demon Clan manages to recruit this Jade Flood Dragon, won’t the Heavenly Origin Realm descend into chaos?”

Yun Xiao stopped listening after that, propping her head up with one hand as she gazed up at the starry sky.

Xie Yunfan had actually broken off his engagement with Fang Zhiluo. Given his nature, after seeing through her feelings for Fang Zhiluo, he would have undoubtedly sought ways to humiliate her to vent his resentment.

Why had he ended the engagement so easily?

No matter. She and Fang Zhiluo were now on opposite sides. Whether Fang Zhiluo fared well or poorly was no longer her concern.

Cangwu had taken Xiangyun out to play again. Bored, Yun Xiao began counting stars.

As she counted, a flash of brilliant light streaked across her vision. She swiftly caught it, closed her eyes, and entered a meditative state.

Spiritual Energy surged toward her from all directions as she immersed herself in the profound mysteries of Sudden Enlightenment.

The magnitude of this event startled Cangwu, who was playing in the outskirts. Grabbing Xiangyun, he used the Instantaneous Shift Technique to rush to Yun Xiao’s side and protect her.

He stood guard for an entire month.

Xiangyun shifted on Cangwu’s shoulder, yawned, and asked telepathically, “How much longer will this take? My Spirit Stones in the Storage Pouch are almost gone.”

“Sudden Enlightenment is a rare opportunity. The longer it lasts, the better,” Cangwu replied, propping his chin with one hand, his eyes fixed on Yun Xiao without blinking. “Come to think of it, this is the sixth time I’ve seen Elder Sister experience Sudden Enlightenment.”

Xiangyun’s fish-like eyes widened in disbelief. “This… this… is this still human? Ugh, or a Demon Cultivator?”

Cangwu pulled Xiangyun into his arms, his gaze fixed warily on the southwest. When he saw the approaching figure, his expression turned disdainful. “Why are you here again? Get lost. Elder Sister doesn’t want to see you.”

Fang Zhiluo removed the Storage Pouch from her waist, wiped away her Divine Sense, and tossed it to Cangwu. “Refill the Spirit Stones,” she said, her gaze softening as she looked at Yun Xiao, still lying prone. “She’s gained quite a bit this time.”

Cangwu didn’t want to accept Fang Zhiluo’s Storage Pouch, but he had already exhausted his own Spirit Stones. Interrupting his Elder Sister’s Sudden Enlightenment due to insufficient Spiritual Energy would be a greater loss.

Catching the pouch, he retrieved over a thousand High-Grade Spirit Stones and arranged them carefully before turning to Fang Zhiluo. “I’ll have Elder Sister repay you when she wakes up.”

His brow furrowed in warning. “Stop staring at my Elder Sister with those clingy eyes. You don’t deserve her.”

Fang Zhiluo paid no heed to Cangwu’s words. She hovered ten feet above and to the side of Yun Xiao, gazing down at her with quiet intensity. Her beautiful eyes shimmered with unspoken affection.

She wished time could freeze in this moment, so Yun Xiao would remain forever within her sight, until the end of time.