This Is What a Villain Is Like

"And just from a single meal tonight, you’ve already reached this point. This is the greatest difference between a Loose Cultivator and a cultivator with a powerful backer."

Cyan Ox Dahuang circled Chu Yun, nodding in satisfaction.

Chu Yun couldn’t deny it. ’But how did Cyan Ox Dahuang know I was here?’

"After that young master from the Prime Minister’s Mansion had someone prepare a courtyard for you to rest in, a servant came and led me over. They even prepared top-quality Spirit Grass and a Spiritual Spring for me."

"To be honest, your sister is quite lucky. She met a noble young master who treats her so well, with an impeccable family background and status—and he’s an only son. It’s just a pity that with her identity and standing, she’s destined to be a concubine at best. She might not even manage that..."

As if knowing what Chu Yun was thinking, Cyan Ox Dahuang explained with a hint of pity.

Chu Yun finally understood why his sister had been so serious and solemn with her words outside Zixia Temple.

The Purple Mist True Monarch’s inheritance was truly important to her. It would be her leverage, her capital, for entering the Prime Minister’s Mansion in the future.

If she could help the young master of the Prime Minister’s Mansion obtain the Purple Mist True Monarch’s inheritance, that achievement would surely grant her more influence and a stronger standing in the future.

"I can see her determination. Even though she’s been relying on Young Master Jiang’s power, from what I know of her, I think she must genuinely like him... otherwise..." Chu Yun shook his head, not mentioning what had happened at the banquet.

Cyan Ox Dahuang didn’t care about such things. It simply thought that Chu Yun’s sister could currently provide him with enough cultivation resources to help him avoid many pitfalls and save a great deal of time in his development.

"Dahuang, what do you think my sister’s chances are of marrying into the Prime Minister’s Mansion?" Chu Yun suddenly asked, looking at the ox.

Cyan Ox Dahuang answered without a moment’s hesitation, "Less than one percent."

’So, not even a one percent chance?’

Chu Yun took a deep breath and said earnestly, "If that’s the case, then I’ll help her. I’ll make sure she has the capital and confidence she needs."

"When I was young, I was slow-witted, a burden. It was all thanks to my sister’s unwavering care. When I was at Zixia Temple, she knew I couldn’t cultivate, but she still sent me many of her own Spirit Stones and Elixir Pills, delaying her own progress..."

"Now that she’s decided she wants to marry into the Prime Minister’s Mansion, I will help her achieve her wish. I will become the support she can rely on."

His words were firm and powerful, filled with an unspoken determination and resolve.

Cyan Ox Dahuang’s eyes showed a glimmer of relief and admiration, but it quickly scoffed. "And you think you’re qualified to do that with your current level of cultivation and strength?" 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Chu Yun replied earnestly, "Just because I don’t have it now doesn’t mean I won’t in the future."

"Besides, since the Prime Minister’s Mansion is after the Purple Mist True Monarch’s cave inheritance, it means there will be a use for me."

Cyan Ox Dahuang looked at him in surprise and asked, "You intend to reveal information about the cave inheritance to the Prime Minister’s Mansion? Don’t you know the old saying? ’A commoner is guiltless; his only crime is possessing a treasure.’"

"Don’t worry," Chu Yun said. "I know what I’m doing and have it under control."

While Chu Yun was lost in his thoughts and plans, on the other side, Jiang Lan was experiencing the true meaning of fiery passion and watery tenderness.

He had sensed something was off with Chu Chan during the banquet. Her limpid, autumn-water eyes seemed to be overflowing, and her breath was as fragrant as an orchid.

Though hidden by the low table, her slender, flawless, jade-like hands—as delicate as the roots of a freshly peeled spring onion—were anything but still.

She paid no mind at all, even with her own brother sitting right across from them.

The amorous flavors of that night were for him alone to savor.

It wasn’t until the next morning that Chu Chan, nestled against his chest as lazily as a cat, finally remembered the important matter at hand. A faint blush still lingered on her fair cheeks, tinged with a touch of embarrassment.

She then rose, draping a silken shawl as thin as a cicada’s wing over herself. From her Sumeru Ring, she retrieved the Jade Pendant, the Token, and personally handed it to Jiang Lan.

"Young Master, this is the Token the Purple Mist True Monarch left for my Chu Family."

"It might not look much different from an ordinary Jade Pendant, but wearing it calms the mind and focuses the spirit. It protects the Spirit Platform from external corruption and allows one to quickly enter a meditative state for cultivation..." Chu Chan explained.

Jiang Lan toyed with the Jade Pendant, comparing it to the description of the Token he had committed to memory. It was indeed authentic.

With this Jade Pendant, the Creation Treasures in the Dark Mansion left behind by the Purple Mist True Monarch were as good as his.

All that remained was to wait for the cave to manifest.

"Chan’Er, you’ve saved me so much trouble. I really must thank you," Jiang Lan said as he casually put it away.

"It is my honor to resolve your troubles, Young Master."

Seeing he was about to get up, Chu Chan came over to help him dress. She gently smoothed the wrinkles on his collar with her jade-like hands, her touch considerate and tender.

Jiang Lan took the opportunity to pull her into his embrace and smiled. "Rest assured, once I have the Purple Mist True Monarch’s inheritance, you will receive a large share of the credit."

Those were the words Chu Chan had been waiting for, and she couldn’t hide the delight in her eyes.

For the next several days, Chu Yun remained immersed in the Refinement of the medicinal power from the banquet feast.

Jiang Lan was tempted to test the Cyan Bull, but on second thought, he decided against it. For now, at least, everything was proceeding according to his predictions and was still under his control.

There was no need to invite unnecessary trouble.

Meanwhile, in the mountains outside Anyang City, cultivators had begun to notice faint wisps of purple mist rising between heaven and earth. It created a hazy, dreamlike veil, incomparably mysterious and magical.