Volume 8, Chapter 535 – Fight the Cao Family to the Bitter End

“Hah! Excellent! As expected of the woman I adore!”

Cao Yang burst into laughter, his expression devoid of any hint of deceit, because everything he said was the truth.

“You know what? To the Cao Family, what truly matters is the nine point of immortal bloodline within you. That represents the family’s legacy. As for that Jiang Ling, in our eyes, she has only one purpose, to serve as your stepping stone. Whether it’s the Holy Maiden title or the secret techniques, everything will become fuel for your rise.”

Cao Yang spoke earnestly. He was indeed a lustful man, but not the kind to be blinded by desire. The Cao Family’s young madam could only be Hua Yu, the one who possessed the immortal bloodline. As for Cheng Hongling? In his eyes, she was nothing more than a pretty vase.

“You’re quite rational, I’ll give you that. But don’t act so selfless, as if you’re doing all this for me. Don’t pretend you’re not benefiting from this. You insist on taking her as a concubine, aside from the Holy Maiden title and the techniques, you must also be coveting her beauty, right? Even if Jiang Ling were just an ordinary woman, that face alone would drive men mad.”

Hua Yu wasn’t stupid. She immediately exposed Cao Yang’s hypocrisy.

“Darling, you’re too humble. She does have some charm, but compared to you? She’s far inferior. Now that I’ve married you, how could I possibly still be interested in her? So this is all for your sake!”

Cao Yang lied without batting an eye.

“Hmph!”

Hua Yu knew her husband was sweet-talking her, but what woman didn’t enjoy honeyed words? Besides, she was indeed the one who stood to gain the most from this arrangement.

“But don’t celebrate too soon. My master is so devoted to upholding the Huarong Sect’s rules that she even stripped me of my Holy Maiden title. Do you think she’ll hesitate to abandon that woman who’s only been here for two days?”

Hua Yu then reminded him spitefully.

“Darling, if your master is so strict about the sect’s rules, why do you keep blaming Jiang Ling for stealing your Holy Maiden title?”

Cao Yang teased.

“Because I wanted the other elders to overthrow my master! That way, I could remain the Holy Maiden. But who knew Jiang Ling’s appearance would ruin everything? My master saw new hope in her and actually compromised for that woman’s sake!”

Hua Yu revealed her original plan.

Rеaⅾ οո KαtRеαԁingСafe

“Ah, what a touching display of master-disciple affection!”

Cao Yang sneered.

“Stop mocking me. I was thinking of my master too. If she’s no longer the sect leader, she won’t have to sacrifice her life for the sect’s rules.”

Hua Yu explained her reasoning.

“Huh. That makes sense! Seems I misjudged you!”

Cao Yang feigned enlightenment before adding, “In that case, why not have the Huarong Sect’s elders overthrow her again? That way, Jiang Ling can keep her Holy Maiden title!”

“Ever heard the saying ‘no profit, no hurry’? The only reason anyone helped me last time was because I promised them benefits after marrying into the Cao Family. This time, you’re just taking a concubine, and she’s not even willing! Who would stick their neck out for no reason?”

Hua Yu retorted. The “person” she referred to was naturally Elder Zhou.

“Fair point. But I still think you’re overestimating your master. She probably only revoked your title because she saw new hope in Jiang Ling.”

Cao Yang measured others by his own petty standards before continuing, “You should understand, Jiang Ling is now the Huarong Sect’s last hope. I don’t believe your master has the resolve to truly sever ties with her.”

“Then let’s wait and see. I know my master’s character well. She doesn’t pin her hopes on others, nor will she tolerate anyone trampling over the sect’s rules.”

Hua Yu chuckled dismissively.

“No need to wait. We’re not opponents here. Even if I only get Jiang Ling herself, I’ll be satisfied. With her secret techniques, your cultivation will soar, consider it an unexpected bonus.”

Cao Yang feigned contentment, though his true intentions were clear.

“Hmph!”

Rеαⅾ оո KatRеαⅾіnɡСafе

Hua Yu smirked coldly. ‘Once I obtain those techniques, I’ll make sure Jiang Ling vanishes from this world.’

And so, the matter of taking a concubine was settled.

Cao Yang couldn’t wait. He immediately summoned the Cao Family’s elders as witnesses and inscribed “Jiang Ling” onto the Immortal Stele under the “Concubine” column.

“Excellent! Now, our Cao Family has effectively married the Huarong Sect’s Holy Maiden. Our face is saved.”

“Not just saved, I’d say we’ve gained even more prestige! Taking the Huarong Sect’s Holy Maiden as a concubine is far more impressive than marrying her outright.”

“Prestige is secondary. With Jiang Ling in our hands, the Huarong Sect will become a blood-supply tool for our Cao Family. The benefits are endless!”

The Cao elders cheered, as if the Holy Maiden was already in their grasp.

“Cao Yang, I’ve checked the calendar. The 16th of next month is an auspicious day. Let that be your concubine-taking ceremony.”

Cao Yang’s father suggested.

“The 16th? That’s half a month away! Isn’t that too long?”

Cao Yang frowned in displeasure.

“Not at all. After the disgrace from your wedding with Hua Yu, we must make a statement this time, even if it’s just a concubine ceremony. We’ll show everyone that the Cao Family keeps its promises and does even better. Rushing it would make a grand celebration impossible.”

His father explained.

“You’re right. I’ll leave the arrangements to you, Father.”

Cao Yang nodded in agreement.

“Uncle Wang, make another trip to the Huarong Sect. Inform them that my son is taking Jiang Ling as a concubine. Her name is already on the Immortal Stele. She must come to the Cao Family by the 16th of next month, or face the immortal might, leaving none alive.”

Rеаԁ οn ΚαtReaԁіոgСαfe

Cao Yang’s father commanded.

“As you wish!”

Uncle Wang bowed and hurried off.

Days later, Hua Ruyi received the Cao Family’s ultimatum, to hand over the new Holy Maiden as well.

“How can the Cao Family be so shameless?!”

Hua Ruyi nearly coughed up blood in fury. She never imagined the Cao Family’s greed would be so insatiable, demanding another Holy Maiden after already taking one.

Once again at a loss, she summoned the sect’s elders for discussion.

As the current Holy Maidens and key figures, Cheng Hongling and Qi Huang were naturally included.

“This is the situation. The Cao Family has sent word…”

Hua Ruyi briefly explained the matter.

“What?! That Cao Yang just married our former Holy Maiden, and now he wants to take our new one as a concubine?! Their greed knows no bounds!”

“The Cao Family clearly wants to control the Holy Maiden title indirectly, ensuring our sect remains their blood-supply puppet!”

Rеαd οո KаtRеаⅾіոɡСаfe

“Dream on! After Hua Yu left, Jiang Ling’s appearance was already a blessing from our ancestors. If we lose her too, the Huarong Sect has no future!”

“The Cao Family is pushing us to the brink! This is beyond insulting, we must fight them to the death!”

Dozens of elders erupted in fury, most ready for an all-out war with the Cao Family.

“If they want my disciple, they’ll have to pile their corpses high at Biyu Peak!”

Shi Yuqi trembled with rage.

As for Elder Zhou, just as Hua Yu predicted, having already offended others by leading the opposition last time, she dared not speak up again without personal gain.

“What do we do now?”

Cheng Hongling hadn’t expected this turn of events and turned to Qi Huang for advice.

“Seems we’ll have to admit to falsifying our identities. Otherwise, the entire Huarong Sect will—”

After weighing the options, Qi Huang made her decision.

“But once our real identities are exposed, do you think they’ll let us remain Holy Maidens?”

Cheng Hongling worried.

“Oh, sister! Don’t be so naive. I said we’d admit to falsifying our backgrounds, not reveal our true identities. Just watch me handle this.”

Qi Huang smiled faintly before addressing the crowd:

“Esteemed elders, there’s no need for concern. The Cao Family’s scheme will fail, because my true name was never Jiang Ling to begin with!”