Chapter Ten: The Ambitious Solitary Sage

The matter of kneeling had finally been muddled through. From now on, even if Ning Xianyu, while inhabiting Ancestor Xuanyuan's body, knelt before others, no one would dare utter a word.

Now, the most pressing concern was the issue of the Nine-Petal Ephemeral Lotus.

Master Duojue was quick to respond, “Ancestor, that Celestial Lady Mengyue has always been cunning. This time, she spread word of her demise—it may not be true. We must remain vigilant.”

Xuanyuan Tunhan was about to nod when he abruptly paused, glancing at Ning Xianyu, whose soul lingered outside her body.

“Speak. React.”

His voice thundered in her mind, making her head ache. Startled, Ning Xianyu straightened up and nodded sagely. “Well said.”

With only that single phrase, without further instruction, she was encouraging Master Duojue to continue speaking as he wished.

Master Duojue was a considerate soul—upon receiving affirmation, he pressed on with his suggestion. “Ancestor, you are determined to obtain the Nine-Petal Ephemeral Lotus, and Mengyue will surely defend it fiercely. I propose we split into three groups: disciples contest for quotas outside, a team is sent onto the island to draw Celestial Lady Mengyue’s attention, while you, Ancestor, personally secure the lotus.”

It was a classic maneuver—feinting in one place to attack in another, hardly the most honorable tactic.

But Mengyue was sly, and equally a powerhouse in the Void Realm. Caution was necessary.

At this, Ning Xianyu felt a jolt of anxiety.

What devious plan was this old fox Duojue hatching? Xuanyuan Tunhan would surely make her the decoy, drawing enemy fire while he slipped off to seize the lotus himself.

Although she now possessed the body of a Void Realm master, she was far from adept at using it.

If she met a true expert, she’d be obliterated in an instant.

She was trembling with nerves, terrified that heartless Xuanyuan Tunhan would send her to die.

“Stop trembling.”

Xuanyuan Tunhan’s voice issued a cold, private warning. He simply couldn’t bear her uselessness.

Ning Xianyu quickly sat up straight, fixing a stern look on Master Duojue.

“You will be responsible for distracting Mengyue,” she intoned, following Xuanyuan Tunhan’s instructions.

Relief flooded her at once.

Wonderful—not her in the vanguard.

[See? The arch-villain does have a conscience, haha,] she told the system gleefully.

The system responded mercilessly: [I think he just knows you’re unreliable and doesn’t dare send you.]

[Would it kill you to say nothing for once? Or will you crash or regress if you stay silent?]

Truly, all this system did was undermine her—so much for a wish-fulfillment system. Ning Xianyu felt it had been sent by the heavens just to torment her.

Perhaps she’d lived too comfortably these past eighteen years, and now fate had sent this thing to motivate her?

She wanted to say, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

By now, Master Duojue had solemnly accepted the order and was preparing to confront Celestial Lady Mengyue head-on with all his strength.

Yet as he looked up, he noticed the disciple called Ning Xianyu was smiling.

It was a subtle expression, barely noticeable unless one looked closely.

Moreover, she was looking in the direction of the Ancestor as she smiled.

It lasted but a moment, yet he’d seen it.

What was going on between these two?

The assembly was about to disperse when a sudden oppressive force swept over them.

It felt as if a powerful presence was charging straight toward their camp, bearing down upon their spirits.

Some could hardly endure it, nearly collapsing to their knees.

An ambush?

Xuanyuan Tunhan leapt to his feet, instantly appearing at Ning Xianyu’s side and gripping her hand tightly.

Ning Xianyu felt his power surging through her, erupting to its peak.

The external force vanished abruptly, and some disciples even thought they heard a distant cry.

Master Duojue reacted first, rushing out to see a figure tumbling from the clouds, veering off and crashing onto the opposite mountain.

“Ancestor, those are people from Fiery Phoenix Mountain. Lord Moyu was struck and wounded by your blow—he won’t recover for days. Ancestor, your divine might is unparalleled in the Six Realms!”

The other disciples followed suit, showering him with flattery.

Ning Xianyu, maintaining her profound demeanor, ordered them to remain on guard and vigilant.

Once they left, she finally exhaled in relief.

Thank heavens Xuanyuan Tunhan had intervened, or she never could have withstood Lord Moyu’s assault in this frail body.

If she’d been exposed, she’d be dead by now.

Xuanyuan Tunhan sneered, “There will be many more attacks and tests like this. If you want to live, stay by my side at all times. Stray for a moment, and you won’t even have the chance to die.”

With such nerves and temperament, she aspired to be the mightiest in the world? Did she think such a title was easily won?

Eager to please, Ning Xianyu smiled, “Thank you, Ancestor. Rest assured, I’ll stick to you like glue, do whatever you say, and never disobey.”

After today’s lesson, she wouldn’t dare leave his side even for a moment.

To meddle in a battle among the top experts of the Six Realms of Cloud Desolation—she truly had no courage for that.

Xuanyuan Tunhan returned to his meditation, and Ning Xianyu could only chat with the system once more.

[Hey, System, look at Master Duojue heading off. At his age, it can’t be easy, running around like this.]

Xuanyuan Tunhan was clearly older, yet the arch-villain looked youthful as ever—a veritable fresh-faced youth.

By contrast, Master Duojue looked haggard, the very picture of a weary middle-aged man. No doubt he was worn out.

The system merely grunted in response, lost in its own thoughts.

Ning Xianyu clicked her tongue. [The arch-villain treats Master Duojue so harshly, forever intimidating him, yet Master Duojue just pledged his loyalty. What devotion!]

[The arch-villain is lucky. Such a bad temper, yet he still has followers willing to serve him loyally. Does every villain have a few fans of their own?]

Normally, the system would ignore her rambling, but now it suddenly sneered.

[Host, you’re too naïve, blind to the world’s darkness. Master Duojue is far from loyal—he’s resented Xuanyuan Tunhan for a long time, and later even betrayed him.]

So, sect politics in the immortal world was just as full of intrigue?

At this, Ning Xianyu perked up.

[What happened? Tell me!]

The system sniffed disdainfully. [Master Duojue is the leader of the Six Realms’ foremost immortal sect, second only to one. But with Xuanyuan Tunhan above him, who would be content with such a position?]

Ning Xianyu nodded with interest. [So he wants to get rid of the arch-villain and take charge himself? Ambitious!]

The system, gossiping with relish, continued: [His display of loyalty this time is just a ploy to trap Xuanyuan Tunhan. If Mengyue wins, he becomes the head of Jade Immortal Sect.]

When the sandpiper and the clam fight, the fisherman profits—he’s calculated everything perfectly.

Ning Xianyu clicked her tongue in amazement. [Who would have thought? Master Duojue’s face is so honest and guileless, but his heart is so dark. People really can’t be judged by appearances.]

The system seized the moment, growing mysterious. [Host, why not seize this chance and meddle yourself? If Xuanyuan Tunhan dies, you’ll never have to fear again.]

As the two conversed, neither noticed that Xuanyuan Tunhan, while meditating, had cracked open his eyes—a cold gleam of murderous intent flickering within.