Soon, young cultivators from Guhui Town’s outskirts were dragged before the town gates by an unseen force.
The two factions instinctively separated into left and right sides. No one spared another glance at Lang Wuhen lying nearby – his body broken, cultivation completely destroyed, barely clinging to life.
As the crowd settled, West Concubine’s crimson-armored avatar materialized before them.
"Bow before West Concubine!"
Not just Tiger-Chasing cultivators, but all sect disciples including Xue Qingluan immediately dropped to respectful bows. Everyone knew which Tiger-Chasing figures couldn’t be provoked. With their own elders having fled, they had no choice but to obey.
"Rise."
"Gratitude, Your Highness."
West Concubine’s gaze swept across the assembly before settling on Yang Lingrui.
"Their deaths were justified." Her voice carried cold approval. "Unless we make invaders bleed, they’ll keep treating Two Dynasties’ battlefield as their disciples’ training ground."
"Since they came hunting you, these shall be your reward. Your enemy-slaying and dao-seizing merits ensure your name will echo through northwest Canglan."
"Deepest thanks, Your Highness!" Yang Lingrui bent forward, hands raised reverently to receive the glowing palms. Behind him, five sect disciples including Xue Qingluan burned with naked envy.
Perfect Spirit Communication avatar palms! Once refined, these could let Yang Lingrui threaten Condensing Essence stage experts with mere gestures. Combined with his newly boosted combat strength from successful dao-seizing, he now stood halfway into genius territory – only a single realm below Shen Yue and Yue Shuwang. Slaying Condensing Essence cultivators might soon become routine for him.
Next came two Spirit Communication avatar arms, though weaker than those from Suspended Bell Mountain and Xisuo Sect’s leaders. West Concubine awarded these to Shen Yue and Li Qingwan for blocking Lanyue Sect’s Yue Shuwang and Xue Qingluan during the battle.
Qiu Ran received golden-veined Thunder Soul Wood for holding Guhui Town twenty-plus days and joining Yang Lingrui’s protection detail. The rare timber would boost her Condensing Essence breakthrough chances while enhancing Thunder techniques.
Xiao Yize, Zi He, and two others gained substantial battle merits.
With rewards distributed, punishment loomed. When West Concubine’s eyes fell upon the five sect disciples, every head snapped downward like wheat before a scythe.
“Xue Qingluan.”
Hearing West Concubine call her name, Xue Qingluan’s body trembled. She took deep breath before stepping forward.
Placing right hand over left at her waist, she bent knees slightly. “This humble one greets Your Grace. Qingluan awaits your command.”
“Since I personally claimed you, abandon thoughts of returning to Lanyue Sect.”
Xue Qingluan’s heart plummeted. Her ruby lips quivered as tears pooled in bright eyes.
She’d grown up in Lanyue Sect since childhood. Her Path of Cultivation had flowed smoothly without major obstacles. Later, riding her senior sister’s coattails to central region, she gained Fairy title when said sister made Genius Ranking.
Those glorious days saw endless sect powers bearing gifts. Bored by visitors, senior sister made Xue Qingluan handle all meetings. Thus her reputation spread through northwest Canglan.
All praised her beauty, wit, and boundless potential. Xue Qingluan believed it too.
In few years, she’d planned secluded cultivation with senior sister to reach Condensing Essence stage, advancing further along Dao. But sect leader’s abrupt decree shattered everything.
What should’ve been routine mountain training summoned West Concubine’s faction instead. Even without explicit statement, Xue Qingluan had guessed the truth.
Hearing confirmation still stung. She’d always known Lanyue Sect only valued Yue Shuwang. Had it been Yue left behind, sect would’ve moved mountains to retrieve her.
Xue Qingluan? Just phoenix’s attendant sparrow. Phoenix needs no sparrow to soar, but sparrow can’t fly far without phoenix’s glow.
Bitter smile twisted her lips. To think she’d become discarded piece, powerless puppet.
“Qingluan understands!” She swallowed swirling emotions. “This one submits to Your Grace’s will.”
West Concubine’s next words shocked everyone present.
“From today, you become Yang Lingrui’s companion cultivator maid.” A glowing imprint sank into Xue Qingluan’s body.
Silence gripped hall. After stunned moment, all eyes turned to Tiger-Chasing’s unknown youth.
“Will you accept her?” West Concubine floated jade bracelet toward Yang Lingrui before Xue Qingluan could react.
The crowd belatedly realized decision lay with him.
Yang Lingrui hid his surprise. Seeing Lanyue Sect abandon Xue Qingluan, he’d guessed West Concubine’s plan. Wasting Condensing Essence-level prodigy as cannon fodder made no sense – better pair her with rising talent.
He’d assumed arrangement meant for Shen Yue, their past tournament encounter creating natural bond. Never imagined it meant for him.
Though phrased as question, offered jade bracelet left no room for refusal. Facing royal-backed Spirit Communication cultivator, refusal wasn’t option.
After brief pause, he bowed. “Lingrui accepts Your Grace’s wise arrangement.”
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter