1070 - I Became a Villainess and Was Pestered by Beautiful Girls

Title: The Transformation of the Villainous Female Lead - Chapter 1070: The Incompetent Juniors Xue Senior, or rather, Tang Xin, has had many conflicts with the Tian family. Back in the day, after she absorbed the bloodline of the Tian family heir and awakened some of its abilities, she was cursed by them. It took her quite some effort to lift this curse. When she last came to the Void Realm, she probably would have settled the score with the Tian family if not for her tight schedule... "Why start a war with the Tian family?" Conflicts aside, those were Xue Senior's matters. The Tian family, being one of the top ten clans, have deep roots. For the Xue family, who hasn't yet found a firm footing, the chances of victory are uncertain. "The origins of the conflict are a bit complex," Jiu Ling explained. "It seems the Tian family, through some channels, learned of the Xue family's 'bloodline absorption and refinement' ability. For unknown reasons, they have been provoking and suppressing us in various ways." "We tried to adhere to a strategy of keeping a low profile, conceding wherever possible. But when the 'Divine Stone' emerged half a year ago, there was no way we could just hand over such a treasure. Thus, an official war broke out between us." "What is the Divine Stone?" "It's rumored to be one of the most precious treasures of the Void Realm. Acquiring it allows one to connect with the Void Realm's source. If there's a way to refine it, it could be made into a semi-divine artifact, and it has many other indescribable uses..." Jiu Ling ponders deeply, then adds. "The Divine Stone is supposedly condensed from the realm's will and appears only when great changes occur." Great changes? Transformations in the Nine Provinces and the Void Realm would certainly qualify. Being one of the three major realms, the Void Realm shouldn't be unresponsive. "Is it just the Tian family competing with us for it? What about the other clans?" "There are multiple pieces of the Divine Stone. Other clans are taking action in their territories too," Jiu Ling respectfully responded. "In fact, several pieces appeared in the southern Death Sea, but it seems these clans are looking for an excuse to suppress our Xue family." The Xue family's rise has been incredibly swift—achieving what takes most families centuries in just over a decade. The southern warlike clans probably don't want to stand by idly while the Xue family grows. A war with the Tian family merely provides a convenient pretext. Even if there wasn't an excuse, a confrontation would eventually occur. With the frontline battles critical, even knowing about Xue Senior's return, Xin Er and Tian Er couldn't leave their posts. Thus, all responsibility fell upon Jiu Ling, who stood before her. "Coming back to find the juniors so disappointing… do you know how that feels?" the White-haired Witch announced with displeasure, crossing her legs. "Ancestor…" Clearly, she once ruled the entire Jiu Ling family and commanded respect within the Void Commerce, but now the words seemed to all but escape her. "Explain what's happening," Xue Senior prompted. "I trust that Xin Er and Tian Er have good judgment. If the juniors are unreliable, at least the second-generation members have been carefully selected?" The elegant Jiu Ling hesitated, stammering before finally admitting defeat and explaining. "Indeed, it's on me…" she conceded. Unlike most families, the Xue family can quickly expand its members through 'devouring and bestowing'. To diligently carry out the tasks Xue Senior left behind, Xin Er and Tian Er first focused on expanding the family's scale. With just a few members, it was impossible to keep an eye on the situation in the Void Realm, let alone monitor movements from the Blood Sovereign Hall. In the beginning, with the two sisters overseeing everything, new recruits to the family were of excellent quality in both skill and character. Yet, as the family grew, it became impractical for the sisters to handle every detail personally, which had to be entrusted to second-generation members. "The two heads have long-term plans for the Xue family," Jiu Ling explained. "Ten subsidiary families each have their roles, and they are completely loyal to the heads. But with the recent turmoil, we've had to expand recruitment to face any impending challenges, and some errors were inevitable during vetting..." The power of devouring and bestowal is formidable, giving those who wield it a delusion of omnipotence. Some Xue family members began feeling 'superior to others', to the extent they don't even regard the top ten families in their eyes. "In fact, the two heads have noticed this issue," she continued, "and planned a thorough evaluation with the 'Triad Review' families in the branches. Unfortunately, the outbreak of war delayed this plan. Ancestor, do you think..." "Enough," Xue Senior furrowed her brow. "I don't want to deal with these troublesome matters. Ultimately, you juniors need to sort out your own problems before I have to intervene again." The White-haired Witch knew she wasn't cut out to manage such a large family; we're not talking about dozens or hundreds here, but thousands. No wonder the ten great families feared the progenitor bloodline—given unrestricted development, not just a family, an entire Xue Empire could be established. "Ancestor, do you have any plans with this visit?" Jiu Ling inquired cautiously. "Our strength and position are all thanks to you. We would do anything you ask of us!" "No need for exaggeration," Xue Senior replied gravely. "I want you to search for a potential site for a 'Divine Curse Ground'. Any information, any clues would help." "Divine Curse Ground?" Jiu Ling thought about it. "I've never heard of that… I'll deploy everyone immediately and bring back any leads!" "Alright," she acknowledged, continuing, "However, with most efforts tied up in the struggle against the Tian family, this also needs resolving." "Ancestor, you mean…" Jiu Ling inhaled deeply, full of anticipation. "Although the feud with the Tian family has been ongoing for many years," Xue Senior chuckled, "taking revenge now isn’t too late. Once we deal with them, we can focus on finding leads on the Divine Curse Ground. Can this be arranged?" "Absolutely! Right away!" Jiu Ling responded excitedly. She'd heard about how, back in the day, the ancestor had subdued a divine war staff over the Endless Sea, absorbing three out of five northern families and leaving a famed legacy in the Void Realm. This time around, dealing with the Tian family seemed trivial in comparison. "Come on, you're not that young anymore, don't be so boisterous," Xue Senior admonished, leaning back in the chair with a sense of authority. "As a family head, you must remain calm. Also, keep my return a secret from other super families to avoid complications." "Yes, Ancestor. I'll seal the information immediately!" "And stop calling me Ancestor…" "Understood, Ancestor!"