Ye Qingchen was sipping tea when Shen Ying's words nearly made him lose his composure. He turned to look at this bewitching woman—how did everything she say twist into something so childish and mortifying?
If Ji Liantan heard her speak like this, he surely wouldn’t let her off easily.
Though it had been years since he last saw his younger brother, Ye Qingchen could still gauge his mindset based on their shared circumstances. There was no doubt that Ji Liantan harbored resentment toward their mother and him, the elder brother—what had started as love had twisted into hatred. And now, things had escalated far beyond mere wounded pride or petty grudges.
Since Ji Liantan was intent on sabotaging his Dao heart, the malice in his heart must run deep.
Rarely one to offer advice, Ye Qingchen cautioned Shen Ying, "Junior Sister Shen, you shouldn’t take advantage of the fact that we’re far from the Joyous Harmony Sect to speak so recklessly."
"If you keep saying things like this, and even a word or two reaches my dear brother’s ears, it won’t just be me who suffers the consequences. He’d be the first to make sure you regret it."
Ye Qingchen had his own assessment of Shen Ying’s standing in the Joyous Harmony Sect.
Given her talent, cultivation level, and status as a direct disciple of the Demon Lord, she undoubtedly held a privileged position.
But that privilege had its limits—otherwise, Ji Liantan wouldn’t have been able to order her alone into the Profound Extremity Sect with just a word.
That "dear brother" of his was probably used to getting his way in the demonic realm, commanding the winds and summoning the rain.
Unlike him.
But Ji Liantan had always been like this—hoarding what others desired, throwing tantrums as if the world owed him.
It was truly—
Ye Qingchen’s mood darkened as he spoke, but Shen Ying merely replied, "Senior Brother Ye is right."
"My brother can’t hear me from thousands of miles away, so why let him get under my skin for free?"
"I’m putting in so much effort to complete the task he assigned, and the first thing he does upon receiving my report is criticize my competence."
"Does he think I’m made of paper?"
With that, she pulled out her Blood Jade Talisman and began tapping furiously, sending off a series of messages in quick succession.
Ye Qingchen caught a glimpse of her reply and felt a chill run down his spine.
The gist of it was: Senior Brother, you’re acting strange. This should be good news, so why do you sound so angry?
Could it be that sending me here wasn’t really about disrupting Senior Brother Ye’s Dao heart, but just a way to mess with your brother and get his attention?
If that’s the case, you should’ve said so earlier! Otherwise, I might take your words at face value and actually succeed in shaking Senior Brother Ye’s resolve. And if something really happens to him, don’t come crying to me later.
Shen Ying didn’t bother putting away the talisman.
Sure enough, Ji Liantan’s reply came within seconds.
Even from thousands of miles away, Ye Qingchen could practically feel the fury radiating from his brother’s words.
Ji Liantan’s message dripped with killing intent: "This Lord? Seeking Ye Qingchen’s attention? Say that again."
Shen Ying: "Then how can you be so sure Senior Brother Ye hasn’t taken a special interest in me?"
"You didn’t even plant spies in the Profound Extremity Sect to verify. Otherwise, you’d know he’s been treating me exceptionally well—even arranged for me to stay in the courtyard next to his."
"Since you didn’t consider any of this before dismissing my efforts, I can only assume you never expected me to succeed. Or worse, you didn’t want me to."
"We grew up together as fellow disciples. If you’re really this twisted, at least don’t drag me down with you."
Ji Liantan was so furious he nearly spat blood, wishing Shen Ying were right in front of him.
But he couldn’t let her delusional logic stand.
His next reply was practically seething: "If you couldn’t even tempt me, what makes you think Ye Qingchen would fall for you so easily?"
"More likely, he already suspects your origins and is keeping you close to monitor you."
"If you’re too blind to see such an obvious trap and return empty-handed, don’t expect mercy from me."
Shen Ying: "I don’t like that tone. Do you think I can’t tell the difference between genuine interest and a scheme?"
"Just because you’re a blockhead doesn’t mean Senior Brother Ye is the same."
"Or are you secretly holding him to a higher standard? For someone who claims to hate him, you sure have a lot of expectations for him."
Ji Liantan nearly choked on his own rage, forcing down the metallic taste in his throat.
His next message was practically written in blood: "Oh? Since you’re so confident, I suppose you won’t mind if this Lord personally verifies your claims?"
After that, Ji Liantan stopped responding.
Shen Ying blinked at the talisman. "What does Senior Brother mean by that?"
Having witnessed the entire exchange, Ye Qingchen wiped cold sweat from his brow. "It means he’s coming here to confront you in person."
Shen Ying sighed. "He really micromanages everything, doesn’t he? If he keeps this up, he’ll exhaust himself before he even takes over the demonic realm."
Ye Qingchen gave her a meaningful look. "If he doesn’t handle this himself, his Dao heart will be in turmoil. He won’t be able to cultivate properly before the upcoming Demon Sect Tournament."
Shen Ying raised an eyebrow. "Senior Brother Ye seems quite familiar with demonic affairs. I’d almost forgotten about that event myself."
Ye Qingchen replied coolly, "When someone is watching you closely, it’s only natural to stay informed."
Shen Ying didn’t press further. In her eyes, the two brothers had been assigned to the wrong paths from the start.
Ye Qingchen was far more rebellious at heart than Ji Liantan.
She steered the conversation back. "So, does that mean I’m in trouble?"
"If Senior Brother comes here in a rage, given his temper, he won’t let me off lightly."
Ye Qingchen smirked. "Oh? Now you’re scared? Weren’t you the one provoking him just now?"
Shen Ying shot him a look. "Senior Brother Ye, you can’t just stand by. You’re involved in this too."
Ye Qingchen feigned innocence. "Me? I’m just the fool being led around by the nose in your scheme."
"Even if Ji Liantan comes for you, it’s not my place to interfere. Wouldn’t want to ruin your mission."
He wore an expression of helplessness.
To his surprise, Shen Ying didn’t push. Instead, she nodded. "True. If you defend me, it’ll only make Senior Brother more suspicious."
"Fine, I’ll just find another protector. At least then I won’t be defenseless if things get ugly."
Now Ye Qingchen was confused. "You mean my mother?"
"She just entered seclusion. Unless it’s a life-or-death situation, she won’t emerge."
Shen Ying waved a hand. "Of course not. Do I look that tactless?"
"I’ve already picked my target. I’ll approach them tomorrow."
Ye Qingchen frowned. He had briefly crossed blades with Ji Liantan before.
Though their encounter had been cut short, both had gained a clear measure of the other’s strength.
Ji Liantan’s cultivation and combat prowess were on par with his own. Among the younger generation in the Profound Extremity Sect, there was no one Shen Ying could rely on for protection.
Unless she went to seek out the elders, her background—even with his and his mother's endorsement—might fool others, but it would still raise suspicions in the eyes of the elders. Given her intelligence, she shouldn’t stir up unnecessary trouble.
Thinking this, Ye Qingchen was proven wrong by Shen Ying the very next day.
Early in the morning, after finishing breakfast, the enchantress headed out. Curious, Ye Qingchen followed her.
Shen Ying walked with clear purpose toward Lianrou Peak, and along the way, Ye Qingchen witnessed the good reputation she had built over the past few days.
The disciples of Lianrou Peak showed no hesitation in letting her pass, allowing her to enter effortlessly.
Inside, the young disciples were practicing their cultivation, but upon seeing her, they abandoned their training and gathered around.
"Sister Shen, what brings you here?"
"Are you here to admire the lotuses?"
"A few days ago, we collected lotus nectar. Our master shared some with us—let me fetch some to treat Sister Shen."
The privileges of a peerless beauty were evident in every way.
Shen Ying greeted the group of graceful and elegant young cultivators before asking, "Is Elder Lian here?"
Elder Lian Ying of Lianrou Peak was someone Shen Ying had learned about through casual conversations with the disciples of the Xuanji Sect. Among the elders, she was the most suitable to handle the current situation.
Unlike the other peak masters, Elder Lian was solitary, difficult to approach, and notoriously picky.
She had little patience even for her own direct disciples. Though not overly strict, she was capricious and rarely considered the bigger picture, making her a feared presence in the Xuanji Sect.
Most importantly, her cultivation was among the top three in the entire sect.
A disciple from Lianrou Peak hesitated. "She is here, but... Sister Shen, is there something you need?"
"Our master usually has no patience for visitors."
Shen Ying replied, "Nothing major. I just want to become her disciple."
"After observing Lianrou Peak, I noticed it lacks order and discipline. It could really use a head disciple."
The disciples: "……???"
Ye Qingchen: "……"
So this was her idea of finding a backer—apprenticing herself under Elder Lian.
True, Elder Lian was domineering and protective of her own, but was this woman planning to abandon her original sect?
Ye Qingchen stepped out from his hiding spot. Seeing him, the disciples seemed to find their anchor.
"Senior Brother Ye, Sister Shen—"
Ye Qingchen nodded and looked at Shen Ying. "What are you thinking?"
Shen Ying: "I already said—I need a backer. When someone comes to settle scores with me, I’ll have someone to call for help."
Ye Qingchen: "Even so, why choose Elder Lian? She’s already taken on her last disciple. She won’t accept another."
Shen Ying: "Don’t worry. Give me an hour, and my master will change her mind."
Ye Qingchen: "……"
She’s already calling her "master"?
