After Xue Qingluan, the other four sect disciples didn’t receive such favorable treatment.
Their talents were slightly inferior to the Tiger-Chasing prodigies. The West Concubine offered them two choices: stand trial in the Prison or fight at the frontline.
All four unhesitatingly chose the latter.
The Tiger-Chasing Prison’s fearsome reputation was known throughout northwest Canglan.
History showed that anyone imprisoned there for crimes – from Gathering Qi petty thieves to renowned Spirit Communication masters – never walked out alive.
Compared to this cursed place, the frontline seemed safer, even offering opportunities to atone through battle merits.
The Seventh Prince’s costly ambush ultimately collapsed as multiple Spirit Communication masters fell in succession.
He squandered vast quantities of Earth Treasures, yet failed to kill Qiu Ran or seize Guhui Town. The sect’s direct disciples he’d recruited met tragic fates – some dead, others captured.
The remaining four were sent to serve as frontline soldiers at the Tiger-Chasing Frontline.
His earlier rigid commands during territorial disputes already revealed poor leadership skills.
His current actions amounted to clumsy mimicry of the former Eastern Wilderness Emperor’s methods.
While stubborn defensive orders and lavish sect recruitment had worked during the great Eastern Wilderness era, times had changed. The danger lay in self-deception when clinging to past glory.
Though merely a regional warlord, this prince deluded himself into believing he commanded the Eastern Wilderness’s legitimate authority and influence like his father.
His strategic aptitude couldn’t rival even a senior strategist from the Central Camp, let alone match the Tiger-Chasing Emperor.
His prolonged resistance stemmed solely from consuming the Eastern Wilderness’s remaining resources.
Victory was assured from the moment the Tiger-Chasing Emperor launched the Eastern Expedition strategy.
Only time stood between current circumstances and inevitable defeat.
After eliminating Eastern Wilderness remnants near Guhui Town, Xiao Yize assumed garrison duty there while Qiu Ran retreated for recuperation.
With matters settled, Yang Lingrui’s group promptly returned to their original posts.
Xue Qingluan lived up to her status as a major sect disciple, swiftly adapting to her new role.
She immediately swapped her Lanyue Sect robes for Tiger-Chasing accompanying cultivators’ standard uniform.
She spent subsequent days intensely studying intelligence reports about the Two Dynasties conflict.
Five days later, Yang Lingrui summoned her.
"Enter."
His divine awareness detected Xue Qingluan waiting outside the tent.
She obeyed, bowing respectfully. "Greetings, sir."
"Sit."
"Yes."
Once Xue Qingluan sat down, Yang Lingrui asked, "What do you think about West Concubine’s recent arrangements?"
"So he really wanted to ask this," Xue Qingluan thought. When summoned, she’d envisioned many possible questions—this one fell squarely within her expectations.
"Young Master," she replied, "From Qingluan’s humble perspective, Her Ladyship likely considers several factors…" She methodically analyzed the situation from multiple angles before concluding: "By assigning me as your companion cultivator, West Concubine—representing the dynasty—aims to secure your allegiance."
She studied Yang Lingrui’s impassive face while speaking. Before the Guhui Town battle, she’d only known him through secondhand battle reports. His personality, background, and cultivation journey remained mysteries to her. She couldn’t read his preferences, uncertain if her answer satisfied him.
Accompanying nobility went beyond mere companionship. Her previous service under senior sister Yue Shuwang had been grueling—strict standards for cultivation and conduct, frequent scoldings, regular beatings. Only by fully accepting her subordinate role had she endured years at Yue Shuwang’s side.
"This new master…" Xue Qingluan worried, recalling battle reports emphasizing his ferocity, "…might prove difficult."
Unbeknownst to her, Yang Lingrui’s motives were simpler. He lacked political cunning and sought insights from a major sect disciple. Her analysis clarified West Concubine’s scheme: preventing his complete reliance on the He Family, pushing the Yang Family toward independence.
Yang Lingrui grimaced internally. Previously deemed second-tier, he’d received no dynastic support for leadership. But his recent breakthrough—half-stepping into prodigy status—changed everything.
This development held immense significance for Tiger-Chasing’s Eastern Expedition. Beyond territorial expansion, the campaign sought to forge another prodigy through war’s crucible—and Yang Lingrui had now fulfilled that purpose.
The dynasty had remained passive before, believing the Yang Family held little worth. Handing them over to Wanhuamen and the He Family was merely a political gesture.
Yet the emergence of a true prodigy shattered the dynasty’s composure.
Though underhanded, they forcibly inserted Xue Qingluan at the last possible moment to secure their stake in the Yang Family.
The tent fell silent as Yang Lingrui remained wordless, making Xue Qingluan’s anxiety grow with each passing second of his silence.
Her senior sister had always responded, whether her words were right or wrong.
But this young master showed only icy indifference – had she misspoken?
A cold dread gripped her heart as she mentally reviewed every word she’d uttered.
Just as panic set in, Yang Lingrui turned to study her tense expression.
"No need for tension. Your earlier words held merit."
Xue Qingluan blinked in surprise before realization struck.
_He’s testing my composure!_
"Qingluan spoke out of turn," she hurriedly apologized. "Forgive this careless tongue."
"Doesn’t matter."
When Yang Lingrui dismissed her apology without punishment, she exhaled shakily.
_He’s unaccustomed to authority. Easier to manipulate if I befriend him properly._
Her scheming halted abruptly as Yang Lingrui produced the life-controlling jade bracelet.
_Testing loyalty! Must refuse!_
"My lord, I-"
CRACK.
The bracelet shattered before she finished. Xue Qingluan gaped as West Concubine’s spiritual imprint dissolved from her body.
"Such shackles breed resentment," Yang Lingrui observed. "Yue Shuwang never chained you thus."
"Never, young master." Xue Qingluan bowed, eyes shining with sudden hope.
The vanished imprint lifted years of psychological chains. More importantly –
_He’s just lucky talent from common roots! Lacks Yue Shuwang’s ruthless control!_
Her mind whirled with possibilities even as she maintained a grateful facade. Schemes formed – including magical seduction to invert their power dynamic.
Then came the choking.
She snapped alert to find Yang Lingrui’s glacial stare piercing her. The same soul-freezing terror Yue Shuwang once inspired – but sharper, deadlier.
Her mouth moved soundlessly. The killing intent in his gaze dwarfed anything she’d known.
CRUNCH. THUD.
She collapsed from her seat, knees hitting dirt. Only then did she notice the twin cyclones – one obsidian, one sulfur-yellow – circling her body.
THUD. THUD. THUD.
Forehead striking ground rhythmically, all schemes forgotten.
Yang Lingrui watched her grovel without blinking. "I enjoy killing," he remarked casually. "Tread carefully, companion cultivator."
Jade shards pinged against her face. "This trinket never truly bound you. Your life remains mine to claim."
His quiet words thunderous in her skull, Xue Qingluan’s illusions shattered.
_A prodigy who kills his way to power – merciful? What folly!_
"Qingluan failed to recognize True Dragon’s majesty!" she wailed, forehead bleeding on the dirt. "Spare this blind fool! Never again!"
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