True Heir of Chaos: From Villainess to Empress

Riding the golden chariot drawn by flying horses, Jian Dan departed from the Heavenly Demon Palace and made her way toward the Hua Clan residence in Tian Mo City. When the chariot came to a smooth stop, Hua Gen, who had previously worked in Huan Le City, stepped forward to welcome her.

The Hua Clan had taken his message with great seriousness. Upon receiving it, they immediately transferred him back from the auction house in Huan Le City. Alongside him returned Hua Shisan.

This time, Hua Shisan received an unusually warm welcome upon his return to the clan. He was even granted a private audience with the current clan head, Hua Kun, a late-stage Divine Transformation cultivator.

The clan master had the signature Hua family look—tall, slim, and refined. His features were elegant, exuding a quiet scholarly grace that made it hard to associate him with the business world.

"Shisan, I had you and the chief steward return early because I have a few questions. No need to be nervous."

"Yes, Patriarch."

Though his mouth said he was not nervous, Shisan's heart still beat faster.

"Tell me how you met the female demon cultivator who asked you to deliver the message."

"Yes."

Hua Shisan carefully gathered his thoughts before recounting the first time he met Jian Dan at the auction house. He explained in detail how she joined the private room and participated in the auction, offering two items. At first, he had to pause between points, but as he continued, his account became smoother.

The Hua Clan's Jūnshàng did not interrupt, simply listening patiently. Only after Shisan finished did he ask questions.

"Are you certain this was her first appearance?"

"Yes, Clan Master. I am sure she had never come before."

"She was accompanied by Miao Yunrong, the young mistress of the Heavenly Demon Palace, and her senior brother, Mo Su Jūnshàng?"

"That is correct. I also noticed that among them was a Dao cultivator, likely a sword cultivator. Jian Jūnshàng seemed to value that person highly."

"And she sent the message because of the Crimson Blood Ganoderma left behind by Hua Gen?"

"Yes."

"And the Yin-Yang Sect cultivator who asked you for information had no contact with them?"

"That I cannot be sure of. But during the auction, the two groups never met."

There was a pause before the clan master asked again:

"Shisan, based on your observations, what do you make of this Jian Jūnshàng?"

"This..."

Hua Shisan scratched his head, unsure how to phrase it.

"Speak freely. You are the only one who has interacted with her. Trust your instincts."

After a brief hesitation, he nodded and said, "Jian Jūnshàng is young, but her presence is commanding, on par with yours, Clan Master. She treated me kindly, gave the message casually, and did not seem to care whether it was delivered or not. I can't think of much else."

"Good. Go visit your family for now. The clan will have new arrangements for you soon. Do not speak of today's meeting."

"Yes. I understand."

After bidding farewell, Shisan left feeling relieved.

Hua Gen, who had been silent, now spoke up.

"Because Shisan delivered Jian Jūnshàng message, I grew curious. I deliberately observed her before she left. Perhaps due to my limited cultivation, she noticed me right away."

"Our clan ancestor's condition is known only to a few elders and myself. You are one of my trusted aides. I assigned you to acquire life-preserving spiritual herbs in Huan Le City because it's a lawless zone. No one questions the source of such goods."

"That is true. So when the Crimson Blood Ganoderma appeared, I bought it immediately. But her reply truly caught me off guard. I must admit my cultivation was too weak to detain them."

Hua Kun Jūnshàng waved dismissively.

"If she dared have Shisan deliver the message, it could only mean two things. First, she knows why we are buying these herbs. Second, she is not afraid of being pursued. Besides, your strength truly is insufficient to stop her."

"I am ashamed."

"If I am not wrong, she may be baiting us. We must see who can hold out the longest."

"Understood. I will have people track their whereabouts and probe her strength."

"No need. That could backfire. Just gather surface-level information. Know the enemy, know yourself—only then can we act."

"Yes."

Over the following days, Hua Gen traced Jian Dan's route all the way to Tian Mo City. He found that she had entered the Heavenly Demon Palace with Miao Yunrong and had not left since.

Each new piece of information only made Hua Gen more certain: this newly risen Mo Yue Jūnshàng was anything but simple.

Jian Dan, meanwhile, tossed the whole affair to the back of her mind after delivering her message. She had moved on to other matters until the Hua Clan's invitation arrived. She knew they were beginning to panic.

Standing at the Hua estate gates, Gong Yi faced Hua Gen. The two exchanged brief glances and immediately recognized the wariness in each other.

After a few polite words, Gong Yi raised her gauzy sleeve and helped her mistress descend from the chariot.

Jian Dan stepped down with a sweep of her skirt, her black boots touching the ground as she cast a glance at the Hua estate.

Guarding the gate were not beasts, but two one-meter-tall floral statues in the shape of twin lotus buds. They looked delicate and lifelike, still not in full bloom. Yet Jian Dan could sense the flow of formation energy within them. No doubt, once fully opened, the entire estate's defenses would activate.

"Hua Gen greets Mo Yue Jūnshàng. Your visit brings great honor to the Hua Clan."

Jian Dan instantly recognized him as the auction house steward from Huan Le City—the one who had secretly observed her.

"You flatter me, Steward Hua."

"Please, Jūnshàng, come inside."

As they stepped into the estate, the scent of blossoms filled the air. Every few steps revealed a new scenic view or a rare spirit flower. Vines trailed across the corridor railings. With just a glance, Jian Dan identified more than ten types of vine-based plants.

"Stay alert. Switch to internal breathing. Avoid inhaling or touching any flowers or plants."

Jian Dan's voice echoed through their minds. The six black-clad guards moved in unison, seamlessly switching their breathing without breaking stride.

"Liu Chuan, be sure to protect this delicate lady today."

The translucent green leaf attached to Jian Dan's wrist shimmered in response, silently promising to do so.

"This way, please. The clan master has been waiting."

Upon entering the grand hall, Jian Dan was met with a surge of late-stage Divine Transformation pressure. A test?

She waved her hand lightly, dispersing the pressure as if brushing away dust. Calm and poised, she stepped into the hall and looked at the man seated on the raised platform. He wore a grey robe with twin-lotus embroidery.

She inclined her head.

"Mo Yue greets the Patriarch Hua. Did the Crimson Blood Ganoderma prove useful for your ancestor?"