This Is What a Villain Is Like

"If that's really the case..."

"Then this is a huge problem."

Xiao He's expression grew incredibly grim.

"I'll send men to track down that disciple, Zhang Yuan, immediately. If he really is a remnant of the Blood Immortal Sect who's been lying low here, I will not show him any mercy..." Xiao Ye set off at once, dispatching men to investigate.

Xiao He felt conflicted. If Emperor Xia's plan had truly been leaked because of Xiao Teng, then Prince Zhenbei's Mansion could not escape responsibility.

After all, if they hadn't revealed the matter to Xiao Teng, how could something like this have happened?

Once a furious Emperor Xia decided to investigate, Xiao Teng would surely face severe punishment.

'Before I report this to Emperor Xia, I must speak with the National Master. He has to figure something out...' Soon after, he also departed, planning to make a trip to the National Preceptor's Mansion.

Seeing this, Xiao Teng felt slightly relieved. His second brother, Xiao Wang, also left him to rest.

After lying back down, Xiao Teng seemed to remember something. He reached into his robes and took out his Communication Jade Talisman. Probing it with his Divine Thought, he saw, as expected, numerous messages left by Xie Jianjia over the past few days, all filled with concerned inquiries about his well-being.

A smile appeared on Xiao Teng's face, and he quickly sent a reply to keep her from worrying too much.

The National Preceptor's Mansion was located in the southwestern part of the Imperial Capital. It was a magnificent and imposing estate, suffused with an aura of destiny and shrouded in a rosy mist. The grounds were quiet and open, with red walls, green tiles, and a quaint, antique charm.

Two statues of Pixiu guarded the entrance, flanked by weeping willows. Two Children, dressed in Daoist Robes with their hair in Daoist Buns, sat cross-legged on Zafus on either side of the gate. With clean, handsome features, they guarded the entrance while meditating.

Almost no pedestrians passed by this place. But before the carriage of Prince Zhenbei arrived, a woman was already waiting there.

Her face was veiled in light gauze, and she wore a loose, deep-purple gown cinched with a simple sash that accentuated her graceful figure. Her slender, snow-white neck was exposed, her dark hair swept up into an elaborate, misty bun, revealing a large expanse of fair, delicate skin that left much to the imagination.

Above her veil, her eyelashes were long and thick, and her eyes shimmered with a seductive, watery light, as if they could bewitch one's very Divine Soul.

"Young masters, can you not even announce my arrival for me?"

"The Lord State Preceptor was a guest at my Divine Maiden Palace for a long time back then. Why is a Disciple from the Divine Maiden Palace so unwelcome now?"

This woman was none other than Fairy Miaoyin, who had been living in seclusion within the Imperial Capital.

Her red lips parted slightly, her gaze alluring, and her voice carried a seductive tone. But the two Children seemed not to notice, remaining seated with their eyes closed, wreathed in Dao Rhyme, completely ignoring her.

Fairy Miaoyin had already been waiting outside the mansion for a long time. Seeing this, she wasn't the least bit annoyed and remained patient, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

"I've only come to pay a visit to the Lord State Preceptor and ask a single question. Why does he refuse to see me?"

'Could it be that he really has a guilty conscience?' She folded her arms. Seeing that the two Children wouldn't announce her or pay her any mind, she casually leaned back against a nearby stone block, as if settling in for a contest of endurance with the person inside the mansion.

Just then, a commotion came from a short distance away as several guards pulling a carriage hurried toward them.

Fairy Miaoyin's beautiful eyes swept over, and she recognized the insignia, surprised. 'Prince Zhenbei's Mansion?'

Feeling a flicker of curiosity, she suddenly thought of something. She pursed her lips in a smile, and her graceful figure slowly moved away from the gates of the National Preceptor's Mansion, stopping a short distance away.

Soon, the carriage came to a stop before the National Preceptor's Mansion. Prince Zhenbei, Xiao He, dressed in a black robe with gold trim, lifted the curtain and stepped out. He walked with a majestic, powerful stride, exuding an imposing aura.

The two Children hurriedly stood up and bowed. Without needing to announce him, they opened the gate and welcomed him inside.

Seeing this, the curiosity in Fairy Miaoyin's heart deepened.

'Prince Zhenbei, Xiao He, was once a suitor of our Palace Master. Why is he so close with the National Master, Ge Qixing?'

𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

'And what secret does his third son, Xiao Teng, possess that would cause the Star Bead to glow and create such a phenomenon?'

That day in Qianyuan Prefecture, the phenomenon that occurred around Xiao Teng had shocked everyone.

Holding the Star Bead in the crowd, she had observed it with perfect clarity. She even suspected that the Shaking Light Immortal Jade, a lost Supreme Treasure of the Divine Maiden Palace, was on Xiao Teng's person.

...

Meanwhile, at the Yijian Palace's residence in the Imperial Capital.

A crowd of Elders and Disciples emerged from their courtyards and cave abodes, utterly bewildered. Many still wore looks of shock, suspicion, and confusion.

A squadron of Knights in full armor, wielding Celestial Blades and long spears, arrived with a great clamor. Riding atop Fierce Beasts, they surrounded the residence and blocked all exits.

At their head was Xiao Ye, mounted on a Wind-Split Ao. He wore bronze armor with a belt that looked like a vicious, coiling snake, and he radiated a fierce Evil Qi. His eyes were bone-chillingly cold.

The Yijian Palace Elder in charge of the residence, who carried an Ancient Sword on his back, had a lean, spirited face and a simple Daoist Bun. He carried the air of a chivalrous hero from a bygone era.

"May I ask why you have all suddenly trespassed on the grounds of my Yijian Palace?" he asked, cupping his hands. His tone, at least, was polite.

For the past few days, the Imperial Capital had been in an uproar over the investigation into the remnants of the Blood Immortal Sect. A sense of panic filled the air, and the various Immortal Sect Lineages, along with their honored guests, were all obediently waiting within their residences to be questioned, not wanting to cause any trouble.

The sudden intrusion of these soldiers and Knights now couldn't help but make them suspicious and worried.

"Where is Zhang Yuan?" Xiao Ye did not waste words, his gaze, filled with Evil Qi, sweeping over everyone.

Upon hearing that name, the expressions of many Disciples changed slightly. Even the few Elders present exchanged a look; they clearly recognized the name.