This Is What a Villain Is Like

Chapter 190: Chapter 96: He’s Truly Terrifying, You’re No Match For Him; Obtaining the Immortal Embryo Creation Dew

"..."

Li Mengning froze, staring at him blankly. She didn’t think Jiang Lan was lying to her.

For Jiang Lan was completely serious now, his eyes devoid of their usual frivolity. It was an expression she hadn’t seen on him in a very long time.

"So, you must remember this: if you ever run into Jiang Ruxian, don’t overestimate your own strength and try to fight her..."

"The score between us is mine to settle."

Jiang Lan hadn’t wanted to say all this so soon, but he felt it was a necessary precaution. It would make the plan he was laying the groundwork for proceed more naturally.

Of course, there was another reason: Li Mengning wasn’t actually one to listen. She really would try to get revenge on Jiang Ruxian. In the original storyline, she had been severely injured multiple times doing just that.

’Now that the plot has deviated from its original path, who knows if she’ll go behind my back to get revenge on Jiang Ruxian.’

’And would my recent actions cause Jiang Ruxian to misunderstand? After all, in the original story, that woman was unbelievably paranoid and mad.’

’Right now, Li Mengning is definitely no match for Jiang Ruxian.’

"..."

"I’m not weaker than her..." Li Mengning muttered, clearly not having taken Jiang Lan’s words to heart.

"I know, but I’m worried you’ll get hurt."

"So, you need to listen to me."

Jiang Lan had guessed she would say as much, so he gently stroked her cheek and spoke softly.

"Mm..."

Li Mengning could no longer think of anything else. She gently lowered her head, a misty, swirling emotion filling her clear, tranquil eyes.

Bihu Lake was a sheet of jade, its surface rippling gently. As the night deepened under the moon, a mist began to drift across the water.

Suddenly, an uncannily cold aura appeared.

The rippling surface of the lake seemed to freeze solid as a frosty mist lingered over it, glowing with a clear, magnificent azure light.

A sight like this quickly drew the attention of the cultivators in the area.

Jiang Lan had already told Li Mengning that a Glazed Seven-leaf Lotus was about to emerge here.

Seeing this, she raised a pristine, jade-like hand. A stream of Cold and Clear Sword Qi shot out, whistling as it sliced across the sky.

In the distance, a mountaintop was instantly blanketed in frost and snow.

At this sight, the expressions of the many cultivators who had been tempted to act changed, and they quickly abandoned any thought of contending for the treasure.

Part of the reason Jiang Lan had said what he did was to instill a sense of urgency in Li Mengning.

’Since I’m giving her these Celestial and Earthly Treasures, she should just obediently consume and refine them. Otherwise, I have to waste my breath arguing with her every single time.’

’Her being too obedient and considerate of me can be a bit of a hassle sometimes, too.’

Li Daoyi and the others, who were recuperating on the mountaintop, saw what happened and were sensible enough not to go over and ask questions.

Ling Zhuyun, however, was somewhat curious about the relationship between Li Mengning and Jiang Lan.

’As a Quasi-Saintess of the Taiyi Sect, Li Mengning has a status similar to my own and her power is unfathomable, yet she’s practically at Jiang Lan’s beck and call.’

’Li Mengning must be from the Sui Ji Li Family, the one that backs the Taiyi Sect...’

She didn’t inquire further about such a private matter between the two.

「At the same time the Glazed Seven-leaf Lotus emerged.」

Deep within the Secret Realm, other cultivators noticed a divine light shooting into the sky. It seemed the true Purple Mist True Monarch’s Cave Mansion had emerged and been discovered.

By the time the news reached them, many cultivators were already rushing over without a moment’s rest. There were so many opportunities, they hardly knew which to pursue.

The opportunity for the Four Saints Ancient Celestial Skill had only just appeared, sparking a massive, chaotic battle.

And now the Purple Mist True Monarch’s Cave Mansion had emerged elsewhere. This Secret Realm was truly brimming with fortuitous encounters.

Everyone was emotional, but not wanting to be left behind, they quickly hurried over. The cultivators still lingering in the Ancient Medicine Garden transformed into streaks of divine rainbows and followed suit.

"Young Master Jiang, the Purple Mist True Monarch’s Cave Mansion has emerged. Should we head over?"

Li Daoyi, Ao Xu, and the others stepped forward to ask Jiang Lan.

Ling Zhuyun had also promised to help Jiang Lan obtain the Purple Mist True Monarch’s legacy, so she too felt a sense of urgency. If they didn’t hurry, they might not make it in time.

"The Purple Mist True Monarch has two cave mansions. That one is likely the Ming Mansion," Jiang Lan said.

Everyone froze at his words. It was the first they had ever heard of this.

However, Jiang Lan didn’t elaborate, and they didn’t dare press for details. They could only guess it was secret intelligence gathered by the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

"Is the item you need in the other cave mansion, Young Master Jiang?" Ling Zhuyun asked.

Jiang Lan nodded. "The item is called Immortal Embryo Creation Dew. It can resolve the hidden affliction in my body, among many other problems. That’s why I must obtain it."

Ling Zhuyun froze at his words, but then understanding dawned on her. She had, of course, heard of this particular Heaven and Earth Wonder and understood the divine power it possessed.

No wonder Jiang Lan was so determined to obtain it.

Li Daoyi, Ao Xu, and the other young Celestial Prides had naturally heard of it as well, and looks of shock and astonishment now crossed their faces.

Jiang Lan had revealed all this voluntarily, unworried about them reading too much into it. Even if they were to guess the source of his information, their suspicions would only point toward the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

And if the Prime Minister’s Mansion were to learn of this, he could conveniently point to Chu Chan as the source, since she certainly knew about it anyway.

With the Dark Mansion now before them, he couldn’t possibly sneak inside without them knowing, so he might as well be upfront about it.

"Rest assured, Young Master Jiang. I will act as your Guardian. You can go retrieve what you need without any worry," Ling Zhuyun said to Jiang Lan, her expression serious.

"We will stand guard here. Rest assured, Young Master. We will ensure no one disturbs you."

Li Daoyi, Ao Xu, and the others all chimed in.