Jiang Yue could not calm down for a long time.
This was indeed a very good method.
But…
“Young Master, first point: Have you considered the power dynamics among the various factions? If a top sect or force were to crush us at the fastest speed, the balance would collapse, and the Ling Family would be completely wiped out.”
“Second point: Is the information this demoness knows actually true? Or is it just too one-sided? The best way to make someone lie is to let them truly believe in it themselves.”
“Third: Discourse power. We have no foundation in the cultivation world—at best, we’re just a minor intermediary. We have no ability to restrain the various factions with our influence. Relying on those major powers to negotiate among themselves is far too idealistic.”
“You must know, every leader’s temperament is different, their ways of doing things are worlds apart. Not everyone thinks things through.”
Ling Huan was slightly taken aback.
Facing Jiang Yue’s pointed questions, he fell into deep thought.
Indeed, he hadn’t considered these things at all.
“Young Master, if you could openly invite your Master to preside over matters, everything would be completely different.”
Jiang Yue herself was at the Nascent Soul stage, but due to the poison in her body and other reasons, she could not show her face.
Ling Huan’s plan, at its core, was a high-risk speculative strategy—using information as leverage to stir up balance among the factions and avoid the shortcomings of lacking strength.
But every step relied on external forces following unwritten rules, and the Ling Family had no way to back themselves up.
“So that’s how it is… As expected of you, Teacher. Your thoughts are truly thorough.”
Ling Huan pondered, “But unfortunately, my so-called Master… seems to be going into seclusion soon, and I don’t even know where he will be.”
“Eh? That’s a shame, I thought Old Master’s plan was pretty good!”
Ling Xue, who had been quietly listening at the side, voiced her opinion, “If we really put it into action, it would definitely throw the whole world into chaos!”
Actually, what Ling Huan wanted to do wasn’t just to raise the Ling Family up to a high branch, to become honored guests of the great sects.
More importantly, he wanted to fleece them.
Just think, with this plan, he could throw all the great sects into struggle and chaos, muddying the waters—how many rewards would the system give him for that?
To be honest, Ling Huan wasn’t interested in this spirit mine.
No matter how much it gave, could it be more than the system?
Although it was just a villain system, always going against him, as long as he mastered the trick, the system was his ATM—a simple cash machine.
He didn’t need to worry about spirit stones, cultivation techniques, or even heavenly treasures.
In theory, his resources were unlimited.
It just required doing all sorts of evil things to draw them out.
So if he just let it go and set the great sects to suspecting and fighting each other, wouldn’t the riches just come pouring in?
Still, Teacher was right—this plan wasn’t mature.
It needed careful planning.
After all, relying only on external restraints made for uncontrollable risks.
One mistake, and it would destroy Qingmu City and the homes many people depended on for survival, which was no good.
“How long has your investigation plan been running? Do you have to make regular reports?”
Ling Huan bent down and took out a pill he bought from Liuyun Pavilion from his storage ring, placing it in her mouth.
This was a high-grade pill, able to heal wounds quickly, and cost Ling Huan a hefty sum.
The effects kicked in fast.
Her injuries rapidly healed.
While not fully recovered, at least her hands and feet were back to normal, able to move.
Ling Xue immediately scrambled up and tried to throw herself at Ling Huan, but her speed was no match for Jiang Yue.
Jiang Yue grabbed the back of Ling Huan’s collar and pulled him back, then stepped on Ling Xue’s forehead to hold her down.
“Demoness, just because the Young Master lets you act like a dog doesn’t mean you can do as you please. If not for the Young Master’s sake, your hand would already be broken.”
Jiang Yue’s voice was sharp, completely different from her usual gentleness.
The harshness in her tone even made Ling Huan shiver a little.
“Tsk, old woman, you’re such a nuisance. Young Master, how about we ignore this old woman’s advice and go cause a real ruckus instead!”
“Look, Young Master, this demoness may have made a contract with you, but in essence, she’s still a mad dog!”
“Oh, but I’m still the Young Master’s pretty little dog, and that’s better than an old dog. Old Master even gave me the name ‘Ling Xue’~ My name is Ling Xue~ What about you? Ah, you’re still stuck with that stiff title~ Ah, well, that’s how it is.”
“These days, who can’t be called Teacher?Anyone who teaches Old Master something can be called Teacher! There’s really no comparison, you know.”
“You!”
“Stop! Ling Xue, you can’t be so rude. This is the person I respect the most—no one can take their place. Teacher is one of the most important people in my heart.”
Listening to the two women bickering, Ling Huan quickly interjected.
“Hmph, see?”
Jiang Yue stood triumphantly with her hands on her hips.
Honestly, Teacher looked rather cute like this.
“What about me?”
Ling Xue immediately put on a pitiful expression, like a wronged little wife, biting her lower lip, eyes full of tears.
“You’ve just arrived. Do your best.”
“Okay~”
Ling Xue’s expression changed again in an instant.
She raised her head proudly, taunting the gritting Jiang Yue.
“What?! How can you let her into your heart? No way! Teacher, I disagree! This kind of thing will only bring you harm!”
Jiang Yue protested urgently.
“Teacher, nothing I can do. We signed a contract. Besides, I have my own ways to deal with her.”
“Is it that you can’t help it, or have you taken a liking to her?”
Jiang Yue’s sharp gaze, like a sword, pierced Ling Huan through her veil.
“Oho~ I’m really looking forward to that.”
Ling Xue slowly stood up and spread her arms wide.
“Are you going to hit me?”
Or maybe punish me?
I can take it all!
Old Master can go all out! Don’t worry about me dying.
“My necklace is a magic treasure—it can heal me three times a day, though the effect gets weaker each time.”
“See, Young Master? This demoness is obstinate and unrepentant. Keeping her will bring endless trouble! How about this, let Teacher find a way to break your contract.”
Jiang Yue said urgently at the side.
“Since we have a contract, doesn’t that mean there’s a binding force?”
Ling Huan suddenly said.
“That’s right~ I’ll listen to Old Master’s words. I can’t betray you, can’t lie to you, and will obey your orders.But any direct order only lasts for twelve hours.”
“So, you can mislead me by staying silent about certain things, right?”
“Of course, Old Master.”
“And you’ll keep causing trouble for me, right?”
“Mhm!”
Ling Xue nodded furiously, “But I won’t do anything that could truly harm Old Master. Old Master, you have to understand—even a dog needs a bit of fun of its own~”
After she finished, she eagerly awaited Ling Huan’s punishment, but instead, a chill crept over her.
Ling Huan didn’t show any ferocious look, only a gentle smile—gentle as a pair of invisible hands squeezing her heart tightly!
A strange feeling swept through her whole body.
Fear.
“You want me to curse you, at least hit you, humiliate your dignity and personhood, isn’t that right?”
Ling Xue nodded, her body trembling even harder.
“But I won’t. I won’t curse you, won’t hit you, and definitely won’t humiliate you. Only obedient little dogs deserve those things, but you aren’t. I will utterly ignore you—treat you as if you don’t exist.”
What kind of punishment was that!?
Even Jiang Yue couldn’t quite understand—some people would…
A thunderous crash!
Ling Xue’s legs suddenly gave way, her knees smashing hard into the floor.
“No… Don’t…”
All trace of pride vanished from Ling Xue’s face.
Even though the words sounded kind, it was as if she were about to face some terrifying ordeal…
“I, I-I-I-I’ll listen to Old Master, just, please don’t ignore me!”
But Ling Huan didn’t reply.
He simply smiled, didn’t even look at her, only held her gently.
Clearly, this was what Jiang Yue had long dreamed of, but Ling Xue instead—let out a shrill, blood-curdling scream!
“No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”