I Really Am A Villain Chapter 1818 - The Queen Mother's Decision; Treasure Lineage's Qin Guan
Previously on I Really Am A Villain...
At these words, Xia Changshan's countenance underwent a drastic alteration.
Being expelled from the Jade Court was an fate she considered worse than immediate death.
To be designated a Four Seasons Valkyrie conferred not only formidable personal power and access to considerable resources but also an undeniably elevated status.
Within the Jade Court, the Eighteen Lineages maintained a delicate equilibrium, constantly checking each other.
However, their standing outside the Jade Court was even more esteemed, as they were not beholden to any of the Eighteen Lineages; they were exclusively the personal retinue of the Queen Mother.
No one within the Jade Court, save the Queen Mother herself, possessed the authority to command them, placing them on an equal footing with all others.
It was precisely this unique position of the Four Seasons Valkyries that led all eighteen of the Jade Court's lineages to actively seek their favor and alliance.
This further solidified their already privileged standing.
Xia Changshan desperately wished to remain, unable to envision a future stripped of her identity as a Four Seasons Valkyrie.
This prospect was more horrifying than meeting her end.
They derived immense pride from their title as Four Seasons Valkyries.
"Queen Mother, I implore you, forgive me just this once. I vow this was the sole occasion I accepted such a thing; it shall never be repeated," Xia Changshan pleaded, her face streaked with tears as she knelt on the floor.
"I beg you, Queen Mother, inflict any punishment you deem fit. I will accept any sentence. Only spare me from expulsion."
Xia Changshan presented a truly pitiable sight. She had genuinely believed her actions were discreet, involving merely the acceptance of gifts and the occasional discreet advocacy for the Casting Crane Lineage on minor matters.
Little did she comprehend that every event transpiring within the Jade Court, and indeed across the entirety of Kunlun Mountain, was meticulously observed through the Queen Mother's Heaven-Watching Mirror.
The Queen Mother displayed no leniency.
Compassion offered by one wielding significant power is often the most regrettable form of pity.
From the ethereal mist, a pair of hands, graceful as jade, made a subtle gesture, and Xia Changshan was instantly propelled outwards.
A profound silence descended upon the heavenly island.
The remaining Four Seasons Valkyries were utterly subdued, their heads bowed low, none daring to utter another sound.
Emerging from the mist once more, the Queen Mother's commanding voice echoed.
"Maintain your posts and diligently execute your duties. I am aware of the esteemed position the Four Seasons Valkyries hold, and many will undoubtedly attempt to curry your favor. However, you must never forget one critical truth. The honor I bestow, I can equally retract. Should any of you, like her, stray from the path in the future, you will find yourselves utterly destitute."
As the Queen Mother concluded her pronouncement, every Four Seasons Valkyrie present in the grand hall immediately fell to her knees.
"We respectfully accept the Queen Mother's solemn decree. We pledge to prioritize the security of the Jade Court above all else and to refrain from involvement in any extraneous matters."
"Qingcheng," the Queen Mother's voice called out again.
Ye Qingcheng, positioned closest to the principal seat, turned her attention towards the source of the voice.
"Your disciple awaits your command, Master," Ye Qingcheng responded.
"I am informed you had some prior acquaintance with this individual?" the Queen Mother inquired.
"We had a few interactions, yes," Ye Qingcheng confirmed with a nod. "Though our familiarity was not profound, it amounted to a single encounter."
"As you are aware, few matters elude my perception," the Queen Mother stated, her gaze seemingly piercing the intervening mist to fix upon Ye Qingcheng.
"In truth, our connection was not particularly close. He has some link to an individual who once rendered me a life-saving service," Ye Qingcheng replied calmly.
"Do you have any insight into how he managed to enter the Jade Court?" the Queen Mother pressed.
"Currently, Kunlun Mountain is under complete seal. Apart from distinguished guests formally invited to the Peach Blossom Banquet, there is but one solitary method to gain entry into the Jade Court," Ye Qingcheng mused briefly before offering her answer.
"The Mirage Tides Heaven."
In actuality, prior to the recent escalations, individuals from the Azure Mystic Heaven could indeed traverse to the Jade Court via designated teleportation formations. However, due to the increasingly hostile relations between the Azure Mystic Heaven and the Jade Court, these interconnected formations had been effectively severed. The potential ramifications, had such a channel remained open during their peak conflict, with the Azure Mystic Heaven unleashing an army of demonic beasts directly into the Jade Court via teleportation, would have been utterly catastrophic.
"Precisely, the Mirage Tides Heaven," the Queen Mother affirmed. "A living soul emerging from the Mirage Tides Heaven. I find myself pondering the intentions of the Lord of Death, or the underlying purpose of this event. Throughout all my years, this is the solitary living individual I have encountered who has successfully navigated passage from the Mirage Tides Heaven."
"Are you instructing me to establish contact with him, Master?" Ye Qingcheng inquired.
“Inquire about his intentions for visiting the Jade Court. He surely did not journey this far merely for our assistance,” the Queen Mother instructed. “Understood,” Ye Qingcheng stood, contemplating for a moment before posing another question. “What about the Casting Crane Lineage? He has killed Wang Xie and others; the Casting Crane Lineage, and possibly other Lineages, will not simply let this go unanswered.” “Take my token. A significant conflict looms over the Jade Court, and all must unite against our common adversary instead of turning inward. If any refuse to heed this decree, they shall face appropriate consequences. Before the war commences, I will not permit any elements of discord to persist,” the Queen Mother stated icily. With her concerns addressed, Ye Qingcheng’s resolve solidified. She ascended into the heavens, departing from the Heavenly Island. Within the confines of the Peach Garden. With a single decisive strike from Xu Zimo, Wang Xie was reduced to nothingness, not even a trace left behind; he was completely eradicated. A palpable sense of foreboding descended upon everyone present, akin to the oppressive atmosphere before a great storm. The very sky seemed poised to collapse. Just as these thoughts occupied their minds, activity commenced beyond the Peach Garden. A massive azure crane emitted a prolonged, piercing cry, its sharp sound resonating through every corner of the Jade Court. “That is the Heaven-Shaking Crane, the sacred avian of the Casting Crane Lineage,” someone exclaimed. “The Heaven-Shaking Crane only calls out when a significant event has transpired. Its cry serves as a summons for all disciples of the Casting Crane Lineage. It appears the news of the Peach Garden incident has already reached them.” “Naturally, it has. Enough time has elapsed for any disciple to have conveyed the message by now.” “This is the end. While this young man’s prowess may be unmatched among his generation, I fear he still falls considerably short when facing the powerhouses of the elder generation.” The onlookers engaged in a flurry of speculation, yet none departed, all remaining to witness the unfolding events. Wang Ya grasped Xu Zimo’s arm, her voice laced with anxiety. “Run! I will go find Grandpa Tree. If he pleads your case, there might still be a glimmer of hope.” Grandpa Tree was a venerable elder of the Plant Lineage and, by this point, one of its final remaining senior experts. He also held the familial position of Wang Ya and her younger brother's paternal grandfather. “There is no need for haste,” Xu Zimo replied, dismissing her concern. He lifted his gaze towards the distant horizon. Already, several figures exuding immense presence could be seen approaching rapidly through the air from all directions. It was abundantly clear that the Casting Crane Lineage occupied an exceptionally esteemed position within the Jade Court. The arrival of these figures was reminiscent of a single flaming arrow summoning a thousand troops to its aid. “If we do not depart now, it will truly be too late,” Wang Ya urged, her tone intensifying. “I have acted according to my will, and I never intended to flee. Furthermore, now that I am present, I might as well forge a path forward through any confrontation. There is an exit in every direction,” Xu Zimo stated calmly. His reasoning was simple: by continuing to engage, he might eventually confront the Queen Mother herself. He held the belief that, at this critical juncture, the Jade Court would not dare to initiate open warfare against him. “Look, it’s Qin Guan from the Treasure Lineage; he has arrived as well,” a voice announced at that precise moment, directing attention towards the periphery of the Peach Garden. A magnificent treasure warship descended from the heavens. As it drew nearer to the airspace above the Peach Garden, it dramatically reduced in size, becoming no larger than a palm before returning into the hand of a young man. The young man was clad in a robe of pale black, and an air of arrogance was evident in his demeanor. His attire was adorned with intricate Dao-script symbols. With each step he took as he descended, the resonant echoes of the Great Dao seemed to emanate from beneath his feet.