Su Lianhua was kneeling on the floor, head bowed, hands in salutation. Every line of her body screamed utmost respect; there was nothing left of her usual sultry and provocative self. In front of her was a small table, holding nothing but a glowing artifact—an audio transmission device used by the elders of Lingxu Sect.
Next to Su Lianhua, Mu Yiran knelt just as stiffly, showing the same absolute respect to his Shizun, who was not physically present. Xu Ming was the only person Mu Yiran was truly terrified of—even a disembodied voice was enough to make his blood run cold.
It was almost comical: kneeling and bowing to an artifact that could only transmit sound. Xu Ming could not see them, but the fear he inspired was so deep that both Su Lianhua and Mu Yiran dared not sit or even raise their heads.
"I will do as you ask, Shengzun," Su Lianhua said. "I will personally inform Jian Wushuan."
"Don't fail." A low, cold, and sharp voice came from the artifact.
"Yes, Shengzun." Su Lianhua bowed her head even lower.
"Yiran, how is your cultivation?"
"This disciple has been practicing just as you guided, Shizun. This disciple believes this disciple will soon break through to Mid Immortal 5. This disciple can feel it," Mu Yiran replied, without an ounce of his usual arrogant tone.
"Good. Keep it up. Next time we meet, I want you to be a Mid Immortal 5."
"Yes, Shizun."
The artifact began to dim and finally lost its glow.
Both Su Lianhua and Mu Yiran unconsciously exhaled.
Su Lianhua got up first. She brushed her clothes and made sure they were perfect. A few moments later, she had transformed into her usual self—sultry and provocative. She even eyed Mu Yiran like prey.
Mu Yiran got up slowly. He was still trying to shake off the fear he felt toward Xu Ming. He completely ignored Su Lianhua.
I have to continue practicing and achieve Mid Immortal 5! I still have two Shengtian pills.
He closed his eyes and took a few long breaths.
When he opened his eyes again, Su Lianhua was in front of him, watching with amusement and a hint of pity in her eyes.
"Oh, is His Highness still afraid of Xu Ming Shengzun?" Su Lianhua teased him.
Mu Yiran looked at Su Lianhua and his gaze slowly traveled downward, pausing for a moment on her chest, before continuing down and then back up to Su Lianhua's flawless face.
Su Lianhua giggled. "His Highness is interested in me?"
Mu Yiran sighed. "Without a doubt, Su Lianhua Shengzun has the most beautiful body this Prince has ever seen."
Then he smirked. "It is unfortunate that this Prince doesn't want to touch anything over one hundred years old."
"Ha ha ha," Su Lianhua's laughter rang like bells.
"Age is just a number. But it also means skills and experience," Su Lianhua continued to entice Mu Yiran.
She got close to Mu Yiran, tiptoed, and whispered into his ear, "Rou Yanyan's skills are not even half of mine."
Mu Yiran closed his eyes, inhaling Su Lianhua's intoxicating scent. Amazing! I know this is a cultivation skill. I know this is her way of making herself stronger. I know she doesn't care about me. And yet, I feel like I'd be willing to give my life for her.
Mu Yiran's body swayed gently. Su Lianhua hugged him close. Every inch of their bodies was connected. Mu Yiran finally hugged her back. Tight. He kept inhaling her scent. Ah, if I die now, I'll die a happy man.
Mu Yiran opened his eyes, his mouth very close to Su Lianhua's.
"Shengzun," Mu Yiran whispered, "Are you truly not afraid of Shizun?"
Su Lianhua smiled. "What's he got to do with us? And just so you know, Xu Ming Shengzun doesn't care about the process. He only cares about the result. If His Highness can achieve Mid Immortal 5 with my help…"
Mu Yiran once again inhaled her scent. He whispered, "No." Then he let go.
Su Lianhua took a step back, smiling lightly. "His Highness has the self-control of a king. I will take my leave. His Highness knows where to find me." She turned around and walked out, bringing the scent and lust with her.
Mu Yiran stood there, watching her sway her body. He felt cold. Empty. He clenched his fists.
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Jian Wushuan was feeling ecstatic. He had finally beaten his arch-enemy, Han Zhaofeng. Around fifty years ago, they had their first clash—and Han Zhaofeng had won easily.
Back then, Jian Wushuan had just broken through to the Saint Stage. He was the first person in Lingxu Sect that achieved Saint Stage. Even Xu Ming was only at High Immortal Five. He felt powerful and unstoppable, drunk on his new strength, and went on a killing rampage across Wusheng.
ICEB received reports of a rogue Saint slaughtering cultivators. Since Han Zhaofeng was the only Saint in ICEB, he handled the case himself.
That was how they first met. At the time, Jian Wushuan was already a member of Lingxu Sect, but the sect wasn't as powerful, and Jian Wushuan wasn't yet the head of Azure Mist Peak.
In fact, Lingxu's rise to power only happened in the last few decades. They rose very quickly—almost instantly—and like anything that happened overnight, they didn't have time to adjust their mentality. That was one of the reasons they became the way they are today: corrupt, depraved, cruel, and without loyalty.
Cultivation took years, centuries even—not overnight. There was no other Immortal Sect that gained power like Lingxu. That alone should've been a warning that something was very wrong in Lingxu. But no one questioned them. Not really. Other sects even approached Lingxu to see if they could discover Lingxu's secrets. They all wanted the same thing: power, strength, and none of the hard work, risk, sacrifice or responsibility that came with it.