Could it be that I am the cruel villain?

"...Can you let me ask myself?"

"This has no interactive feeling at all. Those who know it's you reading minds, and those who don't might think I'm mute."

"Can't you change your nasty habit of spying everywhere? If you have the guts, don't stare at me, stare at the one in the courtyard and see if it beats you up."

Not a word.

Every time he saw Yu Ying, Jiang Feng felt both angry and frustrated, yet he couldn't throw a tantrum.

He couldn't beat her.

Even now, Jiang Feng felt like he owed Yu Ying half a life. Back when he was only at Qi Refinement, if she hadn't come looking for him despite her heavy injuries, his life might have been forfeit.

But the problem is that, although this woman is beautiful, her character is downright awful. No wonder she's unpopular within the sect, invading one's mind and spying silently, making any thoughts in front of her impossible to hide. It's hard for anyone to accept.

"Sister Ao Qing... I cannot defeat her." She chuckled softly. "Despite her being a Spiritual Beast with only a Nascent Soul level cultivation, her physique is outstanding. Even if I fight her head-on, I stand no chance."

"The Sound Rhythm Mind Reading skill is only effective on humans, not on Spiritual Beasts. Their minds are naturally pure, so my music would fall on deaf ears."

"When she was truly angry, even the Patriarch had to yield to her."

She chuckled softly.

"A cowardly woman who bullies the weak and fears the strong!"

The woman remained unmoved by the boy's teeth-gnashing accusation. After all, Jiang Feng could do nothing to her, and her provocative expression made someone tremble with anger.

Still, she felt somewhat surprised in her heart. She had a rough estimate of Jiang Feng's growth rate, but seeing him in person was still shocking. From zero to Body Refining to Core Formation in three years, such speed was indeed exaggerated.

Naturally, praising him out loud was out of the question.

"Is Brother Jiang sure he wants to speak directly? I don't mind, but being overheard discussing Body Refining might attract a lot of trouble."

He raised an eyebrow.

It was only then Jiang Feng realized that Yu Ying hadn't spoken aloud from start to finish; the voice sounding in his mind came entirely from her Divine Soul.

"...As you please."

"Also, on the records, I'm a third-generation disciple, so I'm of lower seniority. Feel free to just call me by my name."

"Let's continue discussing your Heavenly Power Peak. Over the years, it seems to be the only peak I'm not quite familiar with. From your tone, it sounds like your Heavenly Power Peak has delved into this area?"

Neither agreeing nor disagreeing, Yu Ying didn't care about titles since she believed Jiang Feng would eventually take over Swordmaster Peak anyway. Although currently recorded as a third-generation disciple, once he takes over, he inherits the name of Liu Jian's disciple.

At that time, she'll have to address him properly.

Serving tea, since there's a request, the attitude must naturally be presented, even though Yu Ying never directly mentioned her senior sister's name, he knew she was undoubtedly acting on her senior sister's behalf.

Amber-colored tea poured down, not the top-grade tea leaves used for outside guests, but a mix of black tea blended with finely ground grayish-brown powder. Holding a slender golden spoon, he stirred slowly, raising an eyelid.

"The same as before?"

"Yes."

The disingenuous smile finally carried a hint of pleasure.

She was the first to taste this unique drink. Speaking of which, when she made large purchases in Shuangfeng City, she managed to get many interesting things from Jiang Feng.

After mixing, she pushed the cup over with a gesture of invitation, Yu Ying was polite but had a calm smile on her face.

"Each of the Nine Peaks of Purple Cloud has its strengths. In the beginning, they were chosen for their respective superiorities and excellence in their domains."

"The Dragon Head is the core, controlling the laws and guidelines, hiding countless secret manuals. The disciples there are the most domineering with the Purple Cloud Divine Technique. The Sword Control Peak holds the blade and is in charge of justice within the sect. Qingxia is the belly, accepting disciples in large numbers, encompassing all streams."

"Divine Wood focuses on healing, saving all beings. Zhu Ming is the hammer, as violent as thunder. Chi Xiao brings flame, refining the heavens and earth. Lan Zhu corrodes, mountains roared, and seas roiled. Yuzhu is the intermediary, forming immortal alliances…"

"What's missing?"

The boy almost subconsciously muttered.

"Body and soul."

Indeed, from Yu Ying's words just now, he understood the roles of the Nine Peaks, with some focusing on refining, some on picking and planting Immortal Herbs and Elixirs, some on medical arts, some on combat, and some on celestial phenomena.

But in such a large sect, naturally, Body Cultivation cannot be absent.

"Yes."

Nodding, he took a small sip of tea, finding the taste sweet but not greasy, leaving a lasting aftertaste.

"Heavenly Power Peak primarily focuses on body and soul."

"What I cultivate is the latter. The true teachings of Heavenly Power Peak are counted among the top in the current Cultivation World in terms of difficulty. My arts are inadequate, so I can only cultivate the soul, using sound to subdue others, and seizing lives with the divine soul."

"What Master obtained were the personal teachings from the previous Sect Master, and they've reached a masterful level in both flesh and soul. Taking in that unruly child was precisely due to his unique physique."

"In a sense, the tactics of Heavenly Power Peak are quite similar to that of Xuanyin Sect, at least in flesh refining, there's an uncanny resemblance. This was why Master took an interest in that unruly child and brought him back to the Mountain Gate."

"Since its establishment, Purple Cloud Palace has always upheld an inclusive attitude. You should have clearly felt this during your three years in the sect. Unlike ordinary sects that stubbornly adhere to a single path, within Purple Cloud Palace, you can encounter high-ranking experts of various different schools."