True Heir of Chaos: From Villainess to Empress

By the time Jian Dan returned to her cave residence on Mo Yan Peak, she hadn't even stepped inside when she noticed a trace of someone else's spiritual energy lingering near the entrance. The aura was faint, and whoever it was had been extremely cautious, staying no longer than five breaths.

Jian Dan closed her eyes and captured the fading wisp of power. She carefully traced its resonance. When she opened her eyes again, she had already identified it—it belonged to Mo Zhang Zhēnzhě, whom she had met earlier today. So, he had come by to inspect her cave as well.

Better that he had. Now he would be at ease, and she wouldn't have to worry about him constantly watching her movements.

When Jian Dan finally stepped inside, her four attendants filed in quietly behind her, offering respectful bows before lining up to the side. One of the women stepped forward and spoke politely.

"Mo Yue Jūnshàng, we were selected by Shi Ci to serve and maintain your residence. If Jūnshàng finds us unsatisfactory in any way, we can be reassigned through the Core Disciple Hall. But I swear on behalf of us all—we have no hidden motives. Please judge us fairly."

The four knelt in unison, awaiting her response.

Jian Dan waved her hand casually.

"I doubt you would dare anything like that. Just do your jobs well. That's all I ask. You're dismissed."

"Yes, Jūnshàng!"

The four withdrew as quietly as they had entered.

Once they were out of earshot of the residence, one of the male attendants whispered, "Senior Sister, do you think going straight to Jūnshàng and pledging loyalty like that was a bit too bold?"

"I don't think Jūnshàng was angry," another chimed in. "She didn't say anything about punishing us."

"Enough. Don't assume you can guess what Jūnshàng is thinking," said the woman who had spoken first. "The fact that she didn't hold our actions against us already shows great tolerance."

"Exactly! From what I've heard, most high-level cultivators are difficult to serve, but our Jūnshàng is not only beautiful, she's kind too."

"You fool. Do you really believe anyone who reached Divine Transformation is easy to deal with?"

"Jūnshàng is the kind of cultivator who doesn't start trouble unless provoked. Just now, I received news—she's issued a formal battle challenge to Tang Jian, Peak Lord of Mo Yun Peak."

"I heard that too! Do you think we'll get to watch the duel?"

"We'd better not disturb Jūnshàng these next few days. But if she's headed to the arena, we should be there in full support. She deserves a grand entrance."

"Yes, yes! Let's start preparing. I noticed her robes were embroidered with Manjushahua. Where can we find more of those flowers?"

The four attendants chattered as they walked down toward the stone dwellings at the foot of the peak, discussing how best to give their Jūnshàng a proper show of support.

Jian Dan heard every word. Whether they had meant her to or not, she didn't mind.

She had set the duel for three days later for several reasons. First, she had yet to fully recover from her internal injuries. The extra time would allow her to heal. Second, it gave her time to study her opponent. Most importantly, it allowed the battle to gain traction, to spread. The more people knew about it, the more useful it would be in quelling future trouble.

Feigning weakness might work for a moment, but it was not a lasting strategy. Eventually, others would treat her as easy prey.

Demon cultivators, especially, were more direct than Dao cultivators. They worshipped strength, not courtesy. Dao cultivators might still care about appearances, but here, only power spoke. So Jian Dan had responded in kind, choosing the most direct method.

She wasn't being arrogant either. Tang Jian's mid-stage Divine Transformation gave him an edge, so she had to prepare carefully. After drinking a cup of springwater infused with spiritual energy from her private realm, she began mending her wounds with care. With enough time to circulate her techniques through the night, most of her injuries were nearly healed.

Meanwhile, over at Mo Yun Peak, Tang Jian had returned to his cave and immediately ordered his attendant to leave. Then he brought his palm down and shattered the jade table inside. The rage in his chest refused to settle.

"Jūnshàng, what's provoked you this badly?"

A soft voice drifted in as a woman stepped through the entrance. She was slightly plump, about one meter sixty, youthful in appearance, with a round face and warm, smiling eyes. Her black hair hung loosely around her shoulders.

"You're up, Yuan Yuan?" Tang Jian's anger faded somewhat as he saw her. He beckoned her over, pulled her into his lap, one hand wrapped around her soft waist, the other gently brushing her hair.

"Who was foolish enough to upset our Jūnshàng like this?" Yuan Yuan asked sweetly.

"Hmph. Just a Loose Cultivator who thinks she's suddenly a noble phoenix because she's clinging to Mo Su. Ridiculous."

"You mean that new Jūnshàng, Mo Yue? The one Mo Su brought back?"

"That's the one! She actually had the nerve to challenge me!"

"Really? How could she be so bold? Isn't your cultivation much higher than hers?"

"She's just asking to be humiliated."

"Jūnshàng, I know your character—you're upright and speak plainly. But could it be she did this on purpose? Maybe she wanted to provoke you, to make herself look stronger."

Yuan Yuan slowly straightened in his lap, her eyes filled with concern.

Tang Jian fell into thought. Her words weren't wrong. There was no enmity between them. It was their first meeting. Yet somehow, he had been pulled into her rhythm, played like a pawn.

His face darkened further. Yuan Yuan, sharp as ever, immediately leaned forward to stroke his chest and whispered, "Jūnshàng, I believe in you. Her cultivation is lower, she knows nothing of your techniques, and she's relying on a single magic weapon. How much of a threat could she be?"

"Mm. You're right. Still, I can't afford to underestimate her. I need to prepare carefully."

"No need to worry. I have a spirit treasure that may help you—it's called the Phantom Bell. In a critical moment, it can create a three-breath illusion. That should give you the edge."

From her bracelet, Yuan Yuan drew a delicate golden bell, no larger than a grown man's thumb. Its filigree casing gleamed, and though its clapper swung silently, its craftsmanship was flawless.

Only then did Tang Jian smile again. He took the bell into his palm without hesitation.

"You always know how to take care of me. Tell me, what jewelry caught your eye this time?"

"Jūnshàng, you're teasing me again. I just wanted to help. Even if you never use it, it's still a gesture from me."

"Good girl." He lifted her into his arms with a laugh and carried her into the inner chamber. Moments later, sounds unfit for children echoed out.

By the time the final day of the three-day countdown arrived, Mo Su and Mo Yi came to visit together. Jian Dan, now fully recovered, greeted them with a calm yet sharpened presence. She invited the two into her cave residence.

"Mo Yue, you're in great shape," Mo Yi said with a grin. "Now I feel even better about betting on your win."

"I can't afford to lose now, not with your spirit stones riding on me."

Jian Dan joked lightly and poured them a pot of spiritual wine.

Mo Su, ever practical, passed her a jade slip and sipped from his cup.

"This is everything Mo Yi gathered on Tang Jian. Go through it. If anything's unclear, now's the time to ask."

Jian Dan took the jade slip without hesitation, scanned its contents quickly, and after a thoughtful pause, glanced at Mo Yi.

"So it's not just Tang Jian I'll be facing."

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尊者 (Zūnzhě). We got a new title here. I mean we just get a clarity for Zhūnzhǔ as Void Refinement Realm in previous chapter, now we got a new title. 

Golden Core and Nascent Soul have same title as Daoist, Jūnshàng is for Divine transformation. So my guess right now if it was not for Divine Soul Realm then for Unity Realm.