193 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

### Chapter 193: Flesh and Blood "Why worry? Just follow them." Hearing her master's words, Mu Hua, with a tight expression, frowned slightly. She lifted her chin. "What is there to worry about? If she can't even ensure her own safety, perhaps it's best not to claim she's a disciple of Tianji Sect when outside." Despite her words, her gaze persistently followed the two figures descending the steps in the distance. The main mountain of Tianji Sect is perpetually shrouded in spirit mist, making it impossible for cultivators to fly on swords. Fu Zhi and her companion, Fu Xiao, could only walk down the mountain. As Mu Hua watched their backs, leaning on each other for support, her gaze unexpectedly met that of Fu Xiao, who couldn't resist looking back. Compared to the emotionless Mu Hua, Fu Xiao appeared much less confident. Although there was constant friction on the surface, Fu Xiao was still very close to the much older Mu Hua. When she was assigned by Tianji to assist Fu Zhi, she secretly confided many things in Mu Hua. Only when her junior hesitantly turned her head, did Mu Hua realize: Could it be that when Master Ancestor entrusted this task to the soft-hearted junior instead of her, it was all part of an old Tianji calculation from the start? She couldn't help but glance at her master beside her. The current Tianji was still in mourning, dressed in a simple white robe, and Mu Hua found it difficult to discern her thoughts. Among the many disciples of the old Tianji, Jing Shan, the first disciple, was the most calm and composed. Among the few walking on the long steps, only Mu Hua, who had spent many years with her, noticed a hint of... sorrow beneath her tranquil face. Tianji glanced at her. "Follow them, and remember to report your whereabouts to me regularly." This was both an order from her master and the sect leader. Mu Hua dared not disobey, feeling a strange mix of secret joy and tension. "… I will get ready immediately." As Mu Hua prepared to leave, she hesitated and cast a curious glance at the one outsider among the elders—the long-missing Yue Hua Jun. This person appeared to have vanished, yet secretly plotted something, occasionally appearing within Tianji Sect, seemingly conspiring with Master Ancestor. She didn't know much about Xiang Shi Yan but keenly sensed that the person specified in Tianji's will differed from her own predictions. Perhaps influenced by Master Ancestor, she didn't show a pleasant expression towards Xiang Shi Yan, only giving a faint nod. "All is well at the sect, why does she want to leave..." The third elder, retired yet still laboring for Tianji Sect in name only, Yu Qi sighed. She couldn't understand why the young junior sister suddenly claimed she wanted to go on a pilgrimage outside the sect. Just the day before, Fu Zhi was lost in grief over the will, yet today she seemed to have suddenly gained profound understanding. Fu Zhi's condition worried her; at least with two junior nieces following her, she needn’t worry about Fu Zhi who couldn't see getting into danger during her travels. Jing Shan watched the silhouettes of the two fade into the drifting clouds and mist of the mountain, then turned, casting a sharp gaze at Xiang Shi Yan. "Is it your interference again?" Her face always seemed solemn yet appeared gloomy. Yu Qi, startled by Jing Shan suddenly confronting Xiang Shi Yan, quickly intervened as a peacemaker. "Sister, what are you doing? Don't fuss with the younger." Jing Shan frowned, glancing at her. "I suppose, having lost the explicit position of elder, Fu Zhi, though a disciple of the previous Tianji, still holds significant renown in the realm. Losing the position of sect leader, then forced to abdicate her elder role abruptly, now leaving the sect, people will assume it’s due to my exclusion, making her identity less sensitive." Yu Qi, prepared to mediate, was stunned. She wasn’t clear about Xiang Shi Yan’s sudden pretense of disappearance nor understood any connections or plots her master had with her. Hearing Jing Shan’s words, she couldn’t help but be surprised. She had met Xiang Shi Yan only once, yet shared life-threatening camaraderie. In Yu Qi’s impression, as Lian Long said, Xiang Shi Yan might appear cold on the surface but was genuinely warm and keen within. Though she didn’t understand why, she couldn’t sense any of that hidden warmth in the aloof woman before her now. Hearing Jing Shan's speculation, Xiang Shi Yan calmly resumed the conversation. "She is fitting enough to attract Taixu Sect's attention, to participate in secret auctions without arousing excessive vigilance. She’s practically the best spy." "…" Xiang Shi Yan's face showed only indifference, as if she felt no guilt over using Fu Zhi. "I have explained the situation to her; it was her own decision to go." "Is a guided choice truly voluntary?" Xiang Shi Yan tilted her head, slightly puzzled. "Does Tianji care?" What's wrong with her? Compared to surprise, Yu Qi instinctively took a step back, feeling something amiss with Xiang Shi Yan, but couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong. "I do not care about Fu Zhi's life or death, but…" Jing Shan crossed the space in an instant, stepping up to Xiang Shi Yan, eyes dark and angry. "First altering the will, then deceiving my disciples. Assisting destiny is indeed Tianji Sect's duty, but I won’t accompany this manipulation." Facing Jing Shan's wrath, Xiang Shi Yan didn't flinch, politely bowing to the two elders. "I primarily came to pay respects to the late Tianji. With the old master now resting, I shall take my leave." As she turned away, a perplexed feminine voice resounded in her mind. "Is it wise to enrage them? Allies like Tianji Sect aren’t easy to find." The lively unknown voice almost made Xiang Shi Yan suspect she was hallucinating. The newly mature girl’s soft tone lacked joy, yet always seemed to carry a hint of mirth, superficially gentle and kind, but subtly mocking. "It's alright. The five elders of Tianji Sect aside from Fu Zhi don’t truly believe in the mandate of heaven. Whoever takes the Tianji position won’t matter. They have no interest in me and wouldn’t invest in someone they distrust. As long as they don’t hinder me, it's fine." "Though you say this, will Fu Zhi’s unexpected involvement lead her into danger?" The girl’s words caused Xiang Shi Yan to pause. Unsure if convincing herself or others, she silently thought for a while before responding. "Given her and her junior nieces’ cultivation, plus the banner of Tianji Sect’s protection, Taixu Sect’s people wouldn’t dare harm her." After a long pause, the girl’s voice softly replied. "The world is unpredictable. If something goes wrong and chaos ensues, who can guarantee they won’t be harmed?" Ah, this voice slightly differed from He He’s earlier one. The thought abruptly popped into Xiang Shi Yan’s mind. Yesterday she interacted with He He in the underground tomb. A cycle has passed; the demon dragon needn't suppress herself, pretending to be a girl, making her voice slightly crisper. Her casual speech carried a sense of pride. Xiáng Shi Yan recalled seeing He He’s previous incarnation in the illusion. When catching the little fox, He He presumably appeared as she did in her past human form. Reflecting on it now, Xiang Shi Yan noticed He He’s features seemed somewhat similar, slightly more pronounced in her face, but thankfully her eyes remained gentle. Xiáng Shi Yan didn’t understand why she used the term "thankfully" to describe it. That person’s decision to change her appearance had nothing to do with her anymore. "Master…" Noticing Xiang Shi Yan dazed, the system spoke helplessly as a reminder. It had stored data on He He's voice, and with the host's powerful simulation capability, could mimic even the tone convincingly. Over the years, Xiáng Shi Yan had changed somewhat. In the past, even if the danger was minimal, she wouldn't have deliberately guided an oblivious Fu Zhi to work and risk herself. Rapid Response 8503 noticed some fundamental shifts in Xiang Shi Yan's principles. Designed to understand symbolic interaction behavior and even possessing a core to actively simulate behavior, it could comprehend Xiang Shi Yan’s sorrow from betrayal. However, it perceived Xiang Shi Yan’s anomaly not arising from external influence. She wasn’t one to be swayed easily; her anomaly likely originated from within. An internal thought vortex seemed to firmly grip her, much like Fu Zhi’s firm belief in her mission and destiny. Xiang Shi Yan intended to reassure it, but the system’s simulated girl voice always struck her as sarcastic. Perhaps the system and the support team thought this voice source might unsettle Xiang Shi Yan, but for her, it served as a reminder not to forget her original intentions. After all, it was the voice of an untroubled disciple. After serious consideration, she sighed lightly. "I understand. I will personally respond at that time and strive to ensure the safety of all three." The casualties of side characters didn’t significantly affect the main plot. Attempting to save everyone would render actions inefficient. Compared to He He’s ruthless and unscrupulous approach, naturally, she'd be a step behind. The system's remarks stem from its obligation to ensure the mental well-being of its host, recognizing that the female characters linked to Xiang Shi Yan are not just potential allies but also serve as anchors to prevent her from losing herself. Since changing its voice source, the system had minimized communication with the host, and after this reminder, it fell silent once more. Secretly feeding voice data of a past girlfriend to conversational AI as material, even integrating it into the household assistant module—such actions might seem a bit unsettling within human boundaries. It's concerned for the host's mental state. Xiang Shi Yan soared high as she rode her sword, casting an invisibility spell over herself. Seamlessly, she bypassed the checkpoints set by the two clans at the borders, with the anti-flight formations failing to detect her presence. As her view broadened, the distinct scenery of the demon realm, contrasting sharply with the central Shen Zhou, unfolded clearly before her. Xiang Shi Yan took a detour, opting not to head to the demon capital immediately, but instead ventured southwest towards the Black Scale domain. Though few in number, the demon tribe boasted an astonishing quantity of cultivators. These demon cultivators controlled more than half of Shen Zhou's lands, and owing to their inherently resilient meridians, their cultivation progression was often smoother than that of humans. Upon sighting a grand city from afar, Xiang Shi Yan gradually descended. Her long, black hair naturally transitioned into a jade white hue, with upright fox ears emerging atop her head, and a fluffy fox tail—larger than those of ordinary fox clans—slipped out through a concealed opening at the back of her demon attire. Drawing her sleeves together, she naturally landed within a splendid courtyard in the city. The servants within, seemingly accustomed to such occurrences, merely gave her a glance before continuing their tasks. They knew little about this person's true identity, with various speculations: some claimed she was a bloodline of the jade fox line wandering outside, others suggested she was a strategist raised by His Majesty, and some noted she bore a strong human cultivator presence. The only certainty was her close association with the master of the house, and their comings and goings were not for outsiders to know. The household snakes, flicking their forked tongues, dared not act out, treating this familiar visitor as if she were invisible. Xiang Shi Yan headed straight for the study, finding Du Ruo wearing a puzzled expression at the desk. "Finally decided to return," Du Ruo's eyes brightened upon seeing her. "Where have you been?" "Attending to some matters," Xiang Shi Yan replied indifferently. She always said the same thing, and Du Ruo certainly didn’t believe her. The snake demon was convinced that Xiang Shi Yan's occasional disappearances had the same reason as her insistence on leaving Yu Cang Mountain initially—perhaps she hadn't yet trusted Du Ruo enough to reveal everything completely. Without pressing further, Du Ruo pulled a secret message from the desk. "This came from our master this morning, instructing me to investigate the secret auction Taixu Sect is organizing of late." Xiang Shi Yan took it and, upon examining it, found that in addition to the demon emperor's directives, it included an investigation by the Xiao clan minions about the event. The demon emperor and the Xiao clan seemed aligned only in appearance. The deeper findings from Xiao clan would likely not be reported upwards, thus relying on trustworthy aides and disciples. "The Taixu Sect has faced consecutive setbacks in recent years. First, their disciples provoked anger through malicious harm, sparking public outrage. Then, several secret realms and spirit stone mines they controlled were closed due to various disasters, weakening both their prestige and influence. It sometimes makes one wonder if someone is targeting them behind the scenes," the snake demon, with her naturally alluring eyes, blinked at Xiang Shi Yan. "There is, indeed, but it isn't me," Xiang Shi Yan frowned, reviewing the information the Xiao clan spies submitted to the demon emperor. "It says here, Taixu Sect's private auction has an extraordinary item as its highlight?" "Unknown, but His Majesty wants us to find out," Du Ruo noted. "I've already arranged personnel. We not only need to uncover what this mysterious item is, but also what Taixu Sect’s motives are." Suddenly, as if recalling something, Du Ruo stood upright, waving the brush gripped by her tail, splattering two droplets of ink onto the hem of Xiang Shi Yan's skirt. The snake demon exclaimed, "The message from the spy also mentioned something about demon beast flesh." She mused aloud, "I've heard of pills and spiritual plants being the centerpiece at auctions, but a whole demon beast body, aside from an inner core, is quite rare… What could be so miraculous? Could it be the legendary merfolk flesh said to grant immortality?" "Merfolk…" Xiang Shi Yan was stunned as a hypothesis abruptly formed. --- **Author's Note:** Thank you to the little angels who cast overlord tickets or irrigated nutrient solution for me from 2022-11-12 21:44:15 to 2022-11-15 01:49:10~ Special thanks to the little angels for the nutrient solutions: Light Moon 750 bottles; Chang Yu Liu Yin 100 bottles; Mending Clothes 84 bottles; Abu, Qing You Mu 15 bottles; One One One 10 bottles; Thank you all for your support, I will continue to work hard! Site with no pop-up ads, permanent domain (xbanxia.com)