Volume 5, Chapter 307 – A Single Strand of Hair Can Kill Her

Who was Cheng Hongling? A once-in-a-generation genius who had scored full marks in all six categories of the Phoenix Selection Token—an unprecedented feat in the history of the Western Radiance Dynasty.

Now, Qi Huang had inexplicably undergone feminization. Though it was indeed an unfortunate twist of fate, the silver lining was inheriting such breathtaking beauty. It was only natural that she would attract the attention of men around her.

Of course, the soldiers could do little more than try to get closer to catch a glimpse of her beauty. After all, Qi Huang was now an officially appointed Imperial Consort—for ordinary people, even commenting on her appearance would be considered a grave offense.

“Imperial Consort Qi, given the distance and the crowd, the journey to the imperial palace will take about ten days or so. The dozen or so maids outside your palanquin are all assigned to serve you. If you have any needs, don’t hesitate to inform them.”

Chief Steward Zhong approached the palanquin and made the introductions.

“Thank you,” Qi Huang replied politely.

“Additionally, His Majesty has bestowed upon you this Feathered Dress. Wearing it will shield you from divine sense detection. Please find an opportunity to change into it.”

Steward Zhong gestured to a nearby maid, who stepped forward holding an exquisite red silk dress.

“Shield divine sense? Something so miraculous? What is it made of?”

Qi Huang was genuinely astonished. She had always believed that only the Nine Nether Demon Cats possessed such an ability.

“These beasts are worse than pigs and dogs!”

At that moment, Yao Yao’s furious voice echoed in Qi Huang’s mind.

“What’s wrong?” Qi Huang asked, puzzled.

“This dress contains a large amount of Nine Nether Demon Cat fur. Who knows how many of my kin that damned emperor has slaughtered?”

Yao Yao’s words dripped with venomous hatred.

“No wonder it can block divine sense.”

Qi Huang suddenly understood, her heart swelling with sympathy for the Nine Nether Demon Cat tribe. Cultivators persecuting them was one thing, but for a mortal dynasty to go so far as to kill them for their fur—that was truly excessive.

“Indeed. Imperial Consort Qi must be familiar with the Nine Nether Demon Cats? Not only are their tears precious, but their fur is also highly valuable, capable of blocking a cultivator’s divine sense. Wearing clothing made from it ensures both the concealment of your whereabouts and protection against the prying eyes of unscrupulous individuals. After all, from now on, you belong to His Majesty.”

Steward Zhong explained with a knowing smile.

“Does every Imperial Consort receive one? The Nine Nether Demon Cats are rare creatures—how do you have so much fur?”

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Qi Huang probed cautiously.

“Imperial Consort Qi jests. With your status, you are the first to receive such a dress.”

Steward Zhong’s answer made Qi Huang exhale inwardly in relief. If every Imperial Consort had one, just how many Nine Nether Demon Cats would have to be slaughtered to meet the demand?

With no further words, Steward Zhong gave the order, and the “Imperial Consort Escort Guard” officially departed from the Honghua Sect.

“You must be careful on the road. Stay in contact with me at all times. I have a feeling those people won’t let you reach the palace so easily.”

The moment they passed through the Honghua Sect’s gates, Cheng Hongling’s telepathic voice resonated in Qi Huang’s mind.

“You think they’ll send more assassins?”

Qi Huang wasn’t entirely convinced.

“They absolutely will. The threat you pose by entering the palace is obvious. Even if others hesitate, the Empress will never let this go.”

Cheng Hongling’s tone was firm.

Qi Huang remained skeptical. That night, she had displayed strength at the late-stage Divine Ability Realm. Surely the imperial concubines were aware of this—why would they dare send more assassins? Wouldn’t that just be throwing lives away?

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful. Oh, and after I leave, could you take care of those ghost tomatoes? I’ll be back within a month.”

Qi Huang made her request.

“You’re sure you’ll return in a month? At your escort’s pace, even if the journey goes smoothly, just reaching the capital will take around twenty days.”

Cheng Hongling sounded doubtful.

“I’m not actually going to compete for the emperor’s favor. Twenty days is enough for me to cultivate True Qi. Once I’ve got that, I’ll just scare them a little, flash my token, and take a quick tour of the palace. Easy.”

Qi Huang smirked confidently.

“I hope so. Just remember, if you encounter any danger, contact me immediately. I’ll summon you back at once.”

Cheng Hongling reiterated her warning before their mental link faded.

Qi Huang couldn’t help but feel a pang of reluctance. Ever since arriving at the Honghua Sect, she and her main body had relied on each other, closer than family.

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“That damned bastard is here again.”

Yao Yao’s voice, laced with loathing, suddenly rang out.

“Who?” Qi Huang asked.

” That Thousand Shadows guy, the one who spied on you last time!”

Yao Yao took a deep, seething breath.

“Him? He must be here under orders to protect me.”

Qi Huang speculated before testing the waters: “What do you plan to do? Want to take this chance to kill him?”

“No. As much as I despise him, he’s here to guard you. Killing him now would be like cutting off your own arm.”

After a moment of silence, Yao Yao responded with chilling rationality.

“Think carefully. Once we reach the palace, you might not get another opportunity.”

Qi Huang couldn’t resist reminding her.

“Shut up. Do you think I need a reminder from a brainless idiot like you?”

Yao Yao’s haughty retort made Qi Huang smile despite herself. Being insulted somehow felt… warm.

“Why haven’t you changed into that Feathered Dress yet?”

Yao Yao abruptly changed the subject.

“It’s made from your kin’s fur. It doesn’t feel right.”

Qi Huang hesitated.

“Hmph. At least you’ve got some conscience.”

Yao Yao’s tone softened slightly. “Wear it. You’re a friend of the Nine Nether Demon Cats now. Only if you’re safe can you better protect my surviving kin. I’m sure those who’ve passed on wouldn’t mind.”

“Thank you.”

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Relieved, Qi Huang swiftly changed into the red Feathered Dress. Given Yao Yao’s unique status, it was best to keep her hidden, this dress would serve as the perfect cover.

“Yao Yao, thank you for accompanying me on this trip. In a little over a year, I plan to participate in the Evergreen Conference with my main body.”

Once dressed, Qi Huang brought up her future plans.

“Hey, don’t jump around with your words. What does me coming with you have to do with you joining some conference?”

Yao Yao immediately complained.

“Of course it’s related. I’m joining the Evergreen Conference to secure a top-twenty ranking and obtain a Golden Fate Blossom seed.”

Qi Huang then explained how her main body had accidentally ingested a Golden Fate Blossom seed as a child.

“In today’s cultivation world, Golden Fate Blossoms are monopolized by the Immortal Alliance and are exceedingly rare. If someone obtained one independently, their background must be unimaginable.”

Yao Yao sounded impressed.

“Exactly. That’s why we must get our hands on one of those seeds, to avoid unnecessary trouble.”

Qi Huang nodded.

“With your strength, ranking in the top twenty of the Western Radiance Dynasty’s Young Talent Ranking should be a breeze. The Evergreen Conference is for cultivators under thirty, who could possibly be your match? Even if you’re only at the Pseudo-Divine Realm.”

Yao Yao tried to bolster her confidence.

“Better safe than sorry. A cultivator’s strength isn’t just about their own power. Besides, we’ve already made enemies in the Immortal Alliance, who knows what tricks they might pull? That’s why I plan to keep a low profile in the capital. If we run into danger on the road, I’ll need your help.”

Qi Huang laid out her reasoning.

“Naturally. But don’t worry too much. With two elite martial artists from the palace guarding you, no one in the Western Radiance Dynasty can break through their defense, unless a Heavenly Tribulation Realm expert shows up. And where would such a person come from in our dynasty?”

Yao Yao reassured her.

“Let’s hope so.”

Qi Huang clung to that sliver of optimism. A smooth journey to the palace would be ideal.

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Meanwhile, in the imperial gardens, Empress Zheng and Consort Jin sat together in a pavilion, admiring the flowers.

“Sister, today is the day that Qi Huang leaves the Honghua Sect for the palace. Yet you don’t seem the least bit anxious?”

Consort Jin studied the empress with curiosity.

“Why should I be? She’ll never reach the palace—she won’t even make it to the capital.”

Empress Zheng smiled serenely.

“Oh? What do you mean? Have you made more arrangements?”

Consort Jin ventured a guess.

“Leave us.”

Empress Zheng dismissed the attendants before lowering her voice. “Consort Jin, have you heard of my younger sister?”

“I’ve heard rumors. They say she married into a martial arts family from a superpower in the Central Continent.”

Consort Jin thought for a moment before answering.

“Indeed. That family is extraordinary, they have an ancestral elder whose strength is equivalent to the Heavenly Tribulation Realm.”

A trace of reverence flashed across Empress Zheng’s face.

“Are you saying your sister can ask this elder to kill Qi Huang?”

Consort Jin gasped.

“Consort Jin, you jest. A Heavenly Tribulation Realm expert cannot manifest in this world without attracting divine punishment, even martial artists are bound by this law. My sister doesn’t have that kind of influence. But to deal with Qi Huang? We don’t need the elder to act in person. A single strand of his hair is more than enough.”

A sinister smile curled Empress Zheng’s lips.