Volume 8, Chapter 534 – I Agree to You Taking a Concubine

“Hah, this isn’t just diverting disaster onto others, it’s practically mutual destruction!”

Qi Huang teased before firing off a series of rhetorical questions: “As you said, the Lü family will definitely be finished by then. But what about us afterward? The Cao family’s Immortal Stele is the strongest in the cultivation world, and their power towers above all others. We have no way to counter them. That means we’ll have no choice but to become their concubines. Have you forgotten why we came to the Huarong Sect in the first place? If ‘using a tiger to swallow a wolf’ was effective, why would we have gone through so much trouble?”

“Why so serious? I was just joking. You really have no sense of humor.”

Cheng Hongling awkwardly arched her delicate brows.

Qi Huang was momentarily speechless, thinking to herself that this so-called joke was truly hilarious.

Meanwhile, Cao Yang and Yan Ping returned with relaxed expressions.

“Sect Master Hua, I was too hasty earlier. Since you’re unwilling, I won’t force the matter. Now that the auspicious hour has arrived, I’ll be taking Hua Yu with me.”

Cao Yang stepped forward, his tone polite.

A trace of suspicion flickered across Hua Ruyi’s brow. Even a fool could tell something was off about his sudden change in attitude, but she couldn’t pinpoint the issue. “Do as you wish.”

“Then I’ll take my leave. From now on, we’ll be considered in-laws. If Sect Master Hua and Elder Hua ever visit the Central Continent, feel free to drop by our home.”

Cao Yang’s words were dripping with insincerity.

Qi Huang’s face twisted in disgust again. ‘He keeps calling us ‘in-laws’, yet only mentions the sect master and the grand elder? Clearly looking down on the rest of us.’

“Thank you.”

Hua Ruyi responded courteously.

“Enough nonsense, let’s go!”

Hua Yu couldn’t take it anymore and urged impatiently. She had long grown sick of her former martial sisters’ disdainful gazes.

Hua Ruyi hesitated but ultimately spoke sincerely to Cao Yang: “Young Master Cao, my disciple has been pampered in Huarong Sect and has never suffered hardship. If she lacks manners in the Cao family, I hope you’ll be lenient with her.”

Hua Yu’s steps faltered for a moment, but she still boarded the bridal sedan without looking back.

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“Don’t worry! My own wife will naturally be treated well!”

Cao Yang waved dismissively before leading the wedding procession away from Huarong Sect.

“Sigh…”

Hua Ruyi exhaled deeply, her expression desolate. After all, “a teacher for a day is a father for life.” Hua Yu was like half a daughter to her, even if she was disobedient, how could their bond be severed so easily?

“Ah, the sect master is truly pitiable, to have raised such an ungrateful disciple.”

Shi Yuqi sighed sympathetically.

“She’s the one who raised her. She has to bear the consequences.”

Cheng Hongling analyzed coldly.

“True. Fortunately, Huarong Sect still has you. Otherwise, our ten-thousand-year legacy might have been destroyed by Hua Yu’s hands.”

Shi Yuqi gazed at her beloved disciple with fervent admiration.

Cheng Hongling’s expression stiffened. Her motives for joining Huarong Sect had never been pure, and the deeper her bonds grew with those around her, the heavier her guilt became.

With Hua Yu’s matter resolved, the entire sect breathed a sigh of relief. No one wanted a life-or-death struggle with the Cao family.

Qi Huang and Cheng Hongling felt the same. Successfully preserving the Immortal Stele marked the completion of their first step. Now, they needed to secure Huarong Sect’s protection.

“Remember what Master said? Due to the Cao family’s suppression, Huarong Sect’s Immortal Stele has weakened to only Master-grade Four Tribulations. We can’t rely on it to completely deal with the Lü family, at best, it might buy us five or six years.”

Cheng Hongling reminded her.

“Right. And that’s only if Huarong Sect is willing to sacrifice their Immortal Stele for us. This is essentially a transaction, but given the current situation, the odds aren’t good. So we need to prove our worth further.”

Qi Huang made her decision.

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“You mean the continental-level Evergreen Conference? Stick to the original plan?”

“Yes. Your performance has already demonstrated your potential. Now, I’ll show them my upper limits. After dealing with those so-called ‘monsters’, we’ll negotiate. As they say, ‘do your best and leave the rest to fate.’”

“But don’t forget two things. First, Lü Yi will definitely participate in the continental Evergreen Conference. What if he recognizes us beforehand? Second, the issue of Yin-Yang Eyes. I’ve already asked someone to investigate, but those people won’t stay in one place. Who knows if they’ll show up to watch? And there’s no guarantee that other Yin-Yang Eyes aren’t hidden in the cultivation world. In such a massive event, your secret could be exposed.”

Cheng Hongling voiced her concerns.

“Do you think I don’t know that? But our situation is critical. We can’t afford to hesitate anymore.”

Qi Huang sighed.

Cheng Hongling fell silent. The deadline set by the Lü family was drawing closer, indeed, they could no longer afford indecision.

“Fine. But since Hua Yu’s marriage, Huarong Sect no longer has anyone qualified to participate in the continental Evergreen Conference. They definitely won’t attend. How do you plan to make them aware?”

“Here’s what we’ll do. Tell them you want to observe the continental Evergreen Conference to broaden your horizons. Ask them to accompany us as preparation for future participation. As a Holy Maiden, isn’t that a reasonable request?”

Qi Huang pondered briefly before suggesting.

“In other words, a sightseeing trip? ‘Reasonable’ my foot!”

Cheng Hongling shot back bluntly.

“Who cares if it’s reasonable? Just tell me, will they agree or not?”

Qi Huang was getting exasperated.

“They’ll agree, of course. I am the Holy Maiden, after all. But I still have some dignity!”

Cheng Hongling rolled her eyes prettily.

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle the talking. I don’t need dignity.”

Qi Huang immediately volunteered. As a “real man”, or at least, someone who used to be one, she couldn’t hide behind a young girl.

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The plan was settled. Qi Huang would use the pretext of a “trip” to make an appearance at the continental Evergreen Conference, teach those so-called “monsters” a lesson, let Huarong Sect witness their strength, and then negotiate the trade.

Soon after, Qi Huang brought the matter to Shi Yuqi.

“As the Holy Maiden, it’s only natural for you to expand your horizons. However, this isn’t something I can decide alone. We’ll need the sect master’s approval.”

Shi Yuqi explained apologetically.

“No problem. I’ll follow Master’s arrangements.”

Qi Huang played the obedient disciple perfectly. She knew her request was excessive, a Holy Maiden’s excursion wasn’t a personal matter but one that required mobilizing the entire sect.

Unwilling to disappoint her disciple, Shi Yuqi promptly relayed the matter to Hua Ruyi.

Hua Ruyi convened the elders for discussion, and the decision was unanimously approved. After all, everyone knew “Jiang Ling” was Huarong Sect’s future. If they couldn’t even grant her such a small request, how could they expect her loyalty?

With everything set, Qi Huang patiently waited for the continental Evergreen Conference two months later, ready to teach those “monsters” a proper lesson. Given her current strength, dealing with those so-called prodigies would be child’s play.

Cheng Hongling wasn’t idle either, sparing no effort to gather intelligence on the whereabouts of Yin-Yang Eye possessors in the cultivation world, ensuring they could avoid them when the time came.

Meanwhile, life after marriage wasn’t as smooth as Hua Yu had imagined.

For one, she was no longer a Holy Maiden, so people treated her with superficial respect but hidden contempt.

Secondly, her husband was too outstanding, constantly attracting admirers, which left her increasingly insecure.

Tormented by anxiety, Hua Yu threw herself into cultivation, only to find the Cao family unexpectedly stingy with resources.

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Baffled and resentful, she directed her hatred toward “Jiang Ling”. If not for that woman, she wouldn’t have lost her Holy Maiden title. If Huarong Sect hadn’t sucked her dry, her situation wouldn’t be so dire.

The Cao family’s deliberate withholding of resources was meant to pressure her into agreeing to Cao Yang taking a concubine.

When Cao Yang deemed the time ripe, he approached Hua Yu again.

“Impossible! Don’t even think about it! If you dare take Jiang Ling as a concubine, I’ll leave the Cao family immediately!”

Hua Yu stood firm. That brat Jiang Ling might only have eight parts of the bloodline, but her cultivation speed was monstrous. Once she entered the Cao household, Hua Yu’s position would be instantly threatened. Only a fool would invite a wolf into her home.

“Why? If Jiang Ling becomes my concubine, it’ll indirectly help you reclaim your Holy Maiden title. Then you can continue benefiting from Huarong Sect’s resources, no?”

Cao Yang feigned ignorance.

“Help me? What a joke! Who can guarantee the resources will end up in my hands? She’s the Holy Maiden now!”

Hua Yu wasn’t so easily fooled.

“Oh? So it’s true she possesses a secret technique? Her cultivation speed is real? And you’re afraid she’ll threaten your position?”

Cao Yang teased.

Hua Yu opened her mouth but ultimately stayed silent.

“Ah, my dear wife, you’re overthinking this! Secret techniques can be acquired. Once she’s my concubine, do you really think we can’t pry it out of her? With your nine point bloodline and the secret technique, wouldn’t you soar to new heights? How could an eight point bloodline like hers possibly compete with you then?”

Cao Yang’s words struck a chord.

Hua Yu’s eyes lit up with sudden clarity. ‘I’ve been too narrow-minded! Secret techniques aren’t like bloodlines, they can be taken! With my superior bloodline and a secret technique, I’ll be unstoppable! That Jiang Ling won’t stand a chance against me!’

“Fine! I agree to you taking a concubine!”

Hua Yu finally relented.