Volume 1, Chapter 78 – Terrifying, She Discovered My Weakness

“This is what you call something ‘good to look at’?”

Qi Huang stared at the several “indecent” portraits hanging on the wall, her expression stiff.

“Well? Exciting, isn’t it? I picked these out just for you.”

Cheng Hongling spoke as if expecting praise.

“Exciting! Very exciting!”

Qi Huang forced a smile. The paintings were indeed stimulating—the figures in them were barely clothed, their spring scenery half-revealed, exuding a wild, untamed beauty.

Of course, it would’ve been better if they were women!

That’s right—the paintings depicted several muscular, beefy men.

“If it’s so exciting, where’s the emotional resonance?”

Cheng Hongling demanded.

“I-I don’t know! I just… I just think it’s exciting. So exciting I’m about to throw up.”

Qi Huang stammered.

“Hmph! Useless trash. If I don’t feel anything, how could you react?”

Cheng Hongling’s expression darkened instantly. With a flick of her jade-like hand, the portraits disintegrated into dust.

“Another tantrum?”

Qi Huang hastily retreated several steps.

“If touch and sight don’t work, let’s try smell next.”

The moment the words left her lips, Cheng Hongling vanished—only to reappear right in front of Qi Huang, her delicate hand clamping around the latter’s throat and slamming her onto the bed.

“Wh-What are you doing now?”

Instinctively, Qi Huang covered her backside—the old wounds hadn’t healed yet and couldn’t withstand another lesson.

“Relax. I said I wouldn’t hit you, and I won’t.”

Cheng Hongling’s voice was a devil’s whisper, soothing yet ominous. She glanced around the room. “Now, what’s something with a strong smell…?”

After searching fruitlessly, she gritted her teeth, pulled off her embroidered shoe, and shoved her bare foot right under Qi Huang’s nose.

“Let’s see if this stink doesn’t knock you out.”

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‘Why are you rewarding me like this?’

Qi Huang stared blankly at the flawless foot mere inches from her face.

Indeed, how could a fairy’s jade-like foot possibly stink? Especially someone like Cheng Hongling, whose refined physique had purged most impurities. Her foot was petite, fragrant, and as smooth as an infant’s skin. Her ten toes were like adorable doll’s fingers, the nails painted a seductive crimson.

Of course, Cheng Hongling herself was oblivious. In her mind, feet were naturally dirty and smelly.

Qi Huang’s breathing grew ragged as she stared at the perfect arch before her, the intoxicating scent flooding her senses. Her heart pounded wildly—she nearly bit down on impulse.

“Huh? There’s a reaction?”

A flicker of excitement crossed Cheng Hongling’s face.

This proved that emotional resonance wasn’t just about physical stimulation—it was psychological stimulation that truly mattered.

But the next second, realization dawned. Cheng Hongling immediately released Qi Huang and yanked her foot back.

“That’s it? Didn’t it work?”

Qi Huang asked, disappointment creeping into her voice—as if she’d forgotten her predicament entirely.

“Enough nonsense. Get out.”

Cheng Hongling’s command was icy, her fair cheeks tinged with an uncharacteristic flush.

Qi Huang jolted as if doused in cold water and fled in a panic, her own face suspiciously red.

“Was my foot really that foul? It burned her face red.”

Cheng Hongling muttered to herself.

Once outside, Qi Huang’s racing heart gradually calmed. Without warning, she slapped herself hard.

“What was wrong with me just now? How could I lose myself like that? If she establishes a Soul Tether, all my secrets will be exposed!”

A chill ran down her spine. Now that the demoness had discovered her weakness, she’d surely exploit it again. Next time, I’ll shut my eyes—no more temptations!

Just then, Xu Mei entered the courtyard. She studied Qi Huang intently before asking uncertainly, “Is that on your forehead… a Doppelgänger Mark?”

“Yes, Master.”

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Qi Huang nodded obediently.

“That makes identification much easier. And your main body?”

“Inside.”

No sooner had Qi Huang spoken than Cheng Hongling emerged with graceful steps, sending her scrambling back in alarm.

‘Now that my weakness is known, this is far worse than a spanking!’

“Did I scare her with my foot stench?”

Cheng Hongling’s face flushed again. She quickly shifted focus. “Master, is something the matter?”

“I informed the Sect Leader of your decision yesterday. He approved immediately and spread word of your successful doppelgänger cultivation. However, seeing is believing—to dispel doubts, he hopes you’ll visit the main hall with your doppelgänger so the elders can witness it firsthand.”

“Understood.”

Cheng Hongling agreed without hesitation. As for Qi Huang’s opinion? She was just a doppelgänger—who cared?

“Didn’t you hear? We’re going out. Fix your appearance—you look like a disheveled mess.”

Cheng Hongling shot Qi Huang a glare.

‘You’re the one who made me like this.’*

Qi Huang bit back the retort and obediently retreated to tidy up.

Standing before the mirror, she meticulously arranged her hair and adjusted her robes, her expression deadly serious—all to please her main body. The saying “A woman adorns herself for the one who delights in her.” had never felt more apt. What choice did she have? The beatings had traumatized her.

Only when satisfied did she descend the stairs.

Cheng Hongling inspected her thoroughly before nodding in approval and leading the way out.

Qi Huang followed nervously. How would others treat her? As an individual? Or just Fairy Hongling’s accessory?

Lost in thought, she soon left the Orchid Courtyard.

Outside, disciples crowded the paths. The moment they spotted two Cheng Honglings, chaos erupted.

“Junior Sister Two Hongling?! Was the impostor caught?”

“No, the impostor was already dealt with. This is a doppelgänger she just cultivated!”

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“A doppelgänger? So Junior Sister Hongling has reached the Incarnation Realm? At fifteen? Impossible!”

“How is it impossible? Look—doesn’t the one behind her have a pink lotus mark on her forehead? That’s the standard doppelgänger insignia!”

“By the heavens! A fifteen-year-old Incarnation Realm expert—I’ve never even heard of such a thing!”

Gasps and exclamations trailed them, some disciples even following to gawk.

Qi Huang felt like a circus monkey, her face burning as she kept her head low.

Before long, they arrived at the Honghua Sect’s grand hall, where most elders had already gathered.

“Look at that mark! It’s definitely a doppelgänger’s insignia!”

Elder Ruan gasped.

“Fifteen years old and in the Incarnation Realm? How?!”

Elder Wu’s jaw dropped.

“The evidence is right before us! Why don’t you test its authenticity?”

Elder Ruan prodded mischievously.

Elder Wu immediately backed down.

“Hongling, you’re here! Please, sit!”

Sect Leader Qin greeted them obsequiously, committed to the act.

‘This old fox. If I didn’t know the truth, I’d be fooled too.’

Qi Huang suppressed an eye-roll.

Cheng Hongling gave a slight nod and took her seat beside Xu Mei. Qi Huang hovered awkwardly nearby.

“Why are you standing? Sit.”

Cheng Hongling snapped impatiently.

“Ah! Yes!”

Flustered, Qi Huang hastily obeyed.

Cheng Hongling sighed, her expression one of utter disappointment. How could her own doppelgänger be so… meek?

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“Everyone has seen it now. Hongling has indeed cultivated a doppelgänger. Any further doubts?”

Sect Leader Qin smirked, his gaze lingering pointedly on Elder Wu.

“Sect Leader, it’s not that I’m skeptical—but a fifteen-year-old in the Incarnation Realm? It’s unheard of!”

“True, the Western Radiance Dynasty has never seen such talent. Her aptitude is undoubtedly the best of her generation.”

Sect Leader Qin boasted before adding, “Of course, this only applies to our dynasty. In the central superpowers, there are monsters even more terrifying.”

The Central Continent referred to the heartland of the cultivation world—vast, resource-rich, and home to colossal nations that birthed prodigies who dominated the global Evergreen Conference annually.

The Western Radiance Dynasty, meanwhile, languished on the fringes of the Western Continent, its cultivation world stunted by pervasive Yin energy.

“This is more than enough. Forget her talent—just her Incarnation Realm strength elevates our Honghua Sect to mid-tier status!”

Elder Ruan’s gaze burned as he stared at Qi Huang.

“Assuming she survives. Don’t forget she’ll be bait in a few years—thanks to your granddaughter.”

Elder Wu sneered.

“With power like this, even the Cottonwood Valley won’t be certain death.”

Elder Ruan shot back.

“Exactly. Henceforth, let us set aside these worries. Our Honghua Sect’s rise is imminent!”

Sect Leader Qin continued fanning the flames.

Qi Huang’s cheeks burned from secondhand embarrassment. A glance at Cheng Hongling, however, revealed the same icy composure—she wasn’t even pretending.

The meeting concluded shortly after. Once the elders dispersed, Sect Leader Qin approached for a private word.

“News of your ‘Incarnation Realm’ strength will spread quickly—it’ll shake the entire dynasty. Certain parties will undoubtedly test its veracity. From today onward, you must never fight publicly, especially against cultivators of similar ‘strength.’”

“Understood.”

“Focus on secluded cultivation. As long as you remain unseen, they’ll have no openings. When you truly reach the Incarnation Realm, secrecy won’t be necessary.”

With that final warning, Qi Huang followed Cheng Hongling back—only to find Jiang Linian waiting.

“Little Huang, I’ve identified that seed of yours.”

Jiang Linian’s casual tone belied the earth-shattering importance of her words.