Volume 3, Chapter 180 – They Want to Rob Mu Ruoyi

As Cheng Hongling flew forward, she pondered how to begin her investigation. Though she was nearing Yuxiao Sect’s territory, she was completely unfamiliar with the area. Without a plan to gather information, she’d be wandering aimlessly like a headless fly.

Just as she was deep in thought, a brightly lit small town appeared below.

‘This town must be a gathering place for people nearby. If there’s any news about the Nine Nether Demon Cats, it’ll surely surface here. I’ll go down and take a look.’

With that in mind, Cheng Hongling descended near the town and strode in openly—without even wearing a veil. The reason was simple: her trip to Sanyang Prefecture wasn’t just about capturing the demon cats. She had another goal—to flaunt her strength.

Initially, she had pretended to be an Incarnation Realm expert to intimidate the dangerous forces in Meng County. But due to Elder Zhou of the Huxiao Sect’s deliberate sabotage, that plan had failed. As a result, the entire Western Radiance Dynasty’s cultivation world still believed her to be merely at the Unity Realm—utterly unimpressive and even laughable in their eyes.

Because of this, Cheng Hongling had discussed with her sect’s higher-ups before coming. Even if she failed to capture the demon cats, she would ensure every cultivator in the dynasty knew her true power—both to clear her name and for the sake of the common people.

Upon entering the town, she unleashed her Divine Sense without restraint, rapidly filtering through the surrounding information.

Of course, she wasn’t the only cultivator with this idea. The moment her Divine Sense extended, it brushed against others, but everyone tacitly ignored it—no one made a fuss.

Cheng Hongling wasn’t wearing a veil, and her stunning features and extraordinary figure quickly drew attention.

“Heavens! How is this girl so beautiful? Could she be Mu Ruoyi, the Holy Maiden of Shuiyu Valley?”

“No, I’ve seen Mu Ruoyi—she’s a few years older. This girl looks no more than eighteen or nineteen.”

“No, no, I’d say fifteen or sixteen. Her figure is flawless, but her face still has a hint of youthful innocence.”

“Are you joking? A fifteen or sixteen-year-old wouldn’t have such a developed figure!”

“Maybe she’s just naturally gifted!”

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The onlookers chattered endlessly, yet no one recognized Cheng Hongling. This wasn’t surprising—while her reputation in Yongning Prefecture was considerable, few had actually seen her in person.

Cheng Hongling wasn’t worried. She knew this was temporary. The Nine Nether Demon Cats incident had drawn the attention of the entire dynasty’s cultivation world—most sects would send representatives. It was only a matter of time before someone recognized her.

Sure enough, after just a few steps, her prediction came true.

“I didn’t expect her to come!”

“Wow! What a gorgeous girl! That figure—tsk tsk… She’s definitely the type to bear strong sons. That’s crucial for cultivators!”

“If you value your life, wipe that lecherous look off your face. Do you know who she is?”

“Who? Someone even you, our sect’s top genius, would fear?”

“Cheng Hongling of Honghua Sect!”

“Cheng Hongling? The genius girl who broke into the top sixty of the dynasty’s Immortal Seed Rankings at just twelve? But last year, she didn’t even qualify for the prefectural-level Immortal Seed trials. Many say her cultivation regressed—that her genius has fallen.”

“Heh. Anyone who witnessed that battle would disagree. The genius hasn’t fallen—it’s just that some won’t let her rise.”

Hearing herself recognized, Cheng Hongling felt slightly reassured. After all, she was here to make a statement.

She strolled through the streets, eyes and ears sharp, trying to pick up useful information. But her efforts yielded little. Though the town was crowded with cultivators, everyone kept tight-lipped, guarding their knowledge—likely because they themselves knew little.

Just as Cheng Hongling was growing impatient, she unexpectedly stumbled upon a clue about another Nine Nether Demon Cat—inside a roadside inn.

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“Listen up! Elder Han has ordered a mission for late tonight.”

In a room of the inn, a tall, middle-aged man addressed over a dozen disciples in uniform attire.

Cheng Hongling didn’t recognize their uniforms, and their accents were odd—likely from an out-of-town sect.

“Senior Brother Pan, what mission is so urgent? Why late at night?”

A scrawny disciple complained.

“Do you know Mu Ruoyi of Shuiyu Valley?”

Senior Brother Pan countered with a question.

“You jest! The number one beauty of the dynasty’s cultivation world—who doesn’t know her?”

The disciple grinned, eyes glinting with longing.

“Good. She’s come to Sanyang Prefecture—and brought a Nine Nether Demon Cat with her.”

Senior Brother Pan laid out the situation.

“What? Wasn’t she coming for Yuxiao Sect’s demon cat? Why bring one herself?”

The junior disciple was baffled.

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“What do you know? The demon cat Yuxiao Sect lost is female. The one she brought is male—to lure the female out. Opposites attract. She’s far smarter than you.”

Senior Brother Pan sneered.

“How does Senior Brother know all this?”

The scrawny disciple asked cautiously.

“Idiot! Many sects have brought their own demon cats. Right now, there are no fewer than ten Nine Nether Demon Cats in Sanyang Prefecture. Two days ago, I saw a peerless genius from a northern sect carrying one on the street. At this point, do you think their goals can stay hidden?”

“Ten?! Heavens! If our sect could get them all, we’d never lack cat’s tears again!”

The junior disciple gasped.

“Exactly. So, Elder Han says we’re to seize Shuiyu Valley’s demon cat first.”

Senior Brother Pan smirked.

“You mean rob them? But what if the Immortal Alliance finds out?”

The junior disciple paled, and the others looked uneasy.

“What’s there to fear? The emperor is far away. If we cover our faces and aren’t recognized, who’ll know? Shuiyu Valley only sent an early-stage Incarnation Realm elder this time—no match for Elder Han. Plus, our average strength surpasses theirs. Eliminating them quietly will be effortless.”

Senior Brother Pan spoke with absolute confidence.

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“But…”

The disciples exchanged glances, none willing to commit. Even if successful, why take such risks? The rewards would be shared by all—they were cultivators, not saints.

“Elder Han said—if we secure that demon cat, not only will the delicate Holy Maiden of Shuiyu Valley be at your mercy, but each of you will also receive a vial of cat’s tears.”

Senior Brother Pan dangled the bait.

“What?! Mu Ruoyi at our mercy?! And cat’s tears?!”

The disciples finally wavered. As cultivators, women weren’t hard to come by—but this was the cultivation world’s top beauty! And cat’s tears were priceless—essential for subduing demons and saving lives during missions. Without them, they could be devoured by ghosts at any moment.

Thus, the disciples nodded in agreement. As the saying goes, “Heavy rewards make brave men.”

‘Mu Ruoyi, Mu Ruoyi… Why did you have to bring a Nine Nether Demon Cat along?’

Cheng Hongling sighed inwardly. She wasn’t interested in women, so she wouldn’t intervene purely for beauty’s sake. But Mu Ruoyi had helped her before—without her, Cheng Hongling might never have found her father.

‘Fine. It’s not like I plan to spend my life with you anyway. Consider this repaying a favor.’

Taking a deep breath, Cheng Hongling booked a room at the same inn.

Late that night, the scheming group made their move.