Previously on A Cunning Pervert in the Cultivation World...
Li Feng receives a troubling letter from Fen Ziyan regarding a brewing calamity. Despite his initial anger and worry, he decides against forcibly rescuing her, respecting her pride. Instead, he plans to cure her dying mother and bring both Fen Ziyan and her mother back under his protection, later dealing with the calamity once his skills are back online. He then heads to confront Mu Qingyao, suspecting her involvement.
At Mu Qingyao’s Residence,
Within the expansive courtyard, a gathering of Mu Qingyao's beautiful female subordinates were seen, seemingly assembled for a tea ceremony. Their laughter flowed gently and elegantly as they engaged in graceful conversations about ordinary matters. Seated calmly and with poise at the center of the stone table, Mu Qingyao occupied herself by listening to their discourse. She herself emanated a peculiar radiance, a subtle glow gracing her visage as though some wonderful event had transpired. Sipping her tea with serenity, her thoughts drifted to Fen Ziyan's expression the moment he perused that letter, prompting an involuntary, peculiar, and twisted smile to reappear.
Her attention was then captured by a disciple's utterance. "Haha, you won't credit this, but an Inner Sect disciple harbors an interest in Big Sister Mu! Upon investigation, I discovered he ranks among the top ten Inner Sect disciples!" "What? How did you ascertain that?" "Hehe... because he attempted to remunerate me to present him favorably to Big Sister Mu and even sought my assistance in arranging a meeting." Hearing this, Mu Qingyao's eyebrow lifted slightly in astonishment. After all, a top-ten ranked Inner Disciple was no trivial figure. Such an individual would undoubtedly be a youth of exceptional talent, at least in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, with the potential to ascend to the Golden Core realm in the future. In essence, he was a person possessing both formidable strength and significant talent. However, Mu Qingyao inwardly scoffed. 'Ah... this development is likely connected to the blight that plagues the Dynasty.' She had already discerned the stratagem behind this sudden show of interest. Her lips curled into a faint, frigid smile as she deliberately set down her teacup. The gentle merriment surrounding her gradually subsided as the young women perceived the subtle alteration in their leader's demeanor. "Big Sister Mu... did I inadvertently say something amiss?" one of them inquired, her tone tinged with caution. "No," Mu Qingyao responded with composure, her voice as smooth as silk yet carrying an undercurrent of coldness. "It is merely amusing. A top-ten Inner Disciple suddenly professes affection for me precisely when the Fen Dynasty is submerged in turmoil. ...How remarkably convenient." She reclined slightly, her slender fingers executing a slow, rhythmic tap upon the table's edge. The luminescence upon her face stemmed not from romantic sentiments but from the profound satisfaction of having successfully dispatched Fen Ziyan. This new occurrence, however, was naught but an irritating insect buzzing around her, poised to disrupt her contentment.
Then Mu Qingyao looked towards the disciple. "His name?" she inquired casually. "He is Senior Brother Chen Yulong," the disciple who had been approached with a bribe replied promptly. "He has already attained the late stage of Foundation Establishment, and I've heard he wields exceptional mastery over the Azure Thunder Sword Art. Rumor has it he possesses a high probability of reaching the Golden Core realm within a decade!" By the conclusion of her statement, the disciples could not suppress expressions of admiration. Yet, Mu Qingyao emitted a soft chuckle. "Ten years? Truly a prodigy. It appears whoever endeavors to manipulate me must be truly desperate if they imagine such rudimentary enticements would sway my resolve." She perceived the scheme with absolute clarity. At this juncture, the Fen Dynasty was embroiled in chaos, and numerous avaricious factions were already circling like ravenous vultures, eager to exploit the prevailing disarray. Mu Qingyao's own lineage commanded considerable clandestine influence and substantial assets within the southern provinces, encompassing vital trade arteries, potent defensive formations, and, most significantly, spirit mines. Securing her in marriage would furnish any ambitious power bloc with a plausible pretext to annex these resources under the guise of an "alliance" or "support during the prevailing crisis." ...Yet, the possibility remained. Ultimately, she possessed no genuine agency in matters of her betrothal. Should this Chen Yulong prove sufficiently advantageous to her family's interests, they would readily consummate the union without the slightest hesitation. Mu Qingyao's outward demeanor remained placid, but a sliver of cold derision danced within the depths of her eyes. Perceiving their leader's inclination to cease discussion on the matter, the female disciples swiftly attempted to redirect the conversation. "Ah, Big Sister Mu, do you suppose that whiny princess has already arrived at the Capital by now?" The instant those words escaped her lips, Mu Qingyao's fingers momentarily halted their rhythmic tapping upon the table. The corners of her lips ascended into a subtle, gratified smile. She was precisely about to offer a derisive remark concerning Fen Ziyan when— A formidable presence materialized within the courtyard without the slightest forewarning. All the disciples instantly rose to their feet, assuming a defensive posture. However, upon recognizing Li Feng, their tension eased slightly. Mu Qingyao's eyes widened in surprise as she observed Li Feng fixing his gaze upon her with a stern countenance. She recognized that particular expression instantly... and found herself compelled to taunt him. She had not, after all, forgotten the profound humiliation she endured at this pervert's hands.
"Ah~ Li Feng, why that look? Are you upset your quarry has flown the coop? Hahaha, too bad—"
Abruptly, an overwhelming spiritual pressure descended upon the entire courtyard.
Trees and the stone table shattered, while all the female disciples were compelled to their knees on the grass, their faces etched with terror.
Mu Qingyao, who had been the focus of Li Feng’s attention, clenched her teeth.
She strained to lift her gaze toward him... and a realization dawned.
"Y-You broke through—Ugh!"
In an instant, Li Feng materialized before her, seizing her neck and hoisting her high into the air.
"Tell me what you know about Fen Ziyan’s departure."
Without preamble, he cut to the chase.
Li Feng’s fingers, like chilled steel, tightened their vice-like grip on Mu Qingyao’s delicate neck.
Her feet dangled uselessly as her face rapidly flushed crimson.
"Li... Feng... " she managed to gasp, her voice strained and hoarse.
Even beneath the suffocating pressure, a flicker of defiance remained in her eyes.
Despite their leader's plight, the female disciples kneeling on the ground dared not stir.
The oppressive aura emanating from Li Feng felt like an immense mountain bearing down on their very souls.
Perceiving the vast disparity in strength, Mu Qingyao offered a rueful smile amidst her pain.
She then resolved to divulge the truth.
"She departed... a week ago... via the western rear mountain gate. By now... she must have reached the capital."
Struggling for each breath, her voice grew fainter.
Li Feng's brow furrowed upon hearing this.
’A week ago? Wasn’t that precisely when the plague began?’
He couldn't ignore the striking coincidence.
Li Feng eased his grip just enough to allow her to breathe, though he did not release her.
His spiritual sense swept over her mercilessly, searching for any concealed truths.
"Continue," he commanded, his tone icy.
Mu Qingyao drew in ragged breaths, her voice raspy but resolute.
"I received a commission from the palace to deliver Concubine Zi... her mother’s missive to her. The letter was explicitly addressed to Fen Ziyan. I merely served as the courier... I never inspected its contents."
Li Feng’s frown deepened.
The timing, the circumstances – everything pointed towards a deliberate trap.
Yet, Fen Ziyan, with her unyielding pride and profound concern for her mother’s welfare, had evidently plunged headlong into it.
He gazed intently into Mu Qingyao’s eyes for a protracted moment, his spiritual sense delving into the hidden recesses of her being for deceit.
Finding no trace of falsehood, he finally relinquished his hold.
"Cough! Cough!"
Mu Qingyao crumpled to her knees, cradling her bruised neck as she gasped desperately for air.
The other female disciples remained paralyzed by fear, their heads bowed low.
Witnessing these beautiful, trembling disciples in such a state of terrified submission, Li Feng felt a transient impulse to chastise them all.
But time was of the essence.
Without another word, his form dissolved like a phantom.
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Following Li Feng's departure,
Mu Qingyao stayed kneeling on the ground for an extended period, softly massaging the indignity on her slender neck.
Her subordinates, sensing the danger had passed, cautiously approached to assist her.
"Elder Sister... are you unharmed?" one inquired, her voice trembling.
Mu Qingyao waved them off with a feeble motion and slowly rose on her own.
Her gaze drifted towards the distant skyline where Li Feng had vanished, a complex emotion swirling in the depths of her striking eyes.
"...That man is truly formidable when enraged," she whispered to herself.
One of the more courageous disciples ventured a question.
"Elder Sister, should we not inform the elders? He invaded our sanctuary and issued open threats. The sect enforces stringent regulations against such transgressions..."
At the suggestion...
Mu Qingyao, surprisingly, shook her head.
A profound, calculating spark ignited in her eyes as the corners of her lips curled into a cold, significant smile.
She turned towards one of the nearest female disciples, her voice calm yet laden with an unmistakable frigidity.
"You mentioned Chen Yulong holds an interest in me, is that correct?"
"Y-Yes, Elder Sister. He has been quite persistent and wishes to meet you," the girl responded swiftly.
Hearing this, Mu Qingyao’s smile widened.
"Inform him... I accept," she stated softly, her tone laced with a dangerous allure.
"I shall meet Senior Brother Chen Yulong this evening... at the Moonlit Pavilion."
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