Could it be that I am the cruel villain?

"Mainly cultivates in music and the Divine Soul, not only that, but she's also a Divinity Transformation Stage expert, which allows her to peek into our thoughts. She's a nice person, just has a bit of a wicked sense of humor."

"Just now, I've been discussing the Divine Soul with her because I was worried about eavesdroppers overhearing us, so we communicated using Divine Soul. Otherwise, we'd be sitting here performing a pantomime."

"Alright, don't take what happened just now to heart. There's a senior watching over us, nothing will go wrong."

Facing Yu Ying's unprovoked accusations, Mr. Jiang remained calm. After all, he's thick-skinned and quite accustomed to it.

The young girl nodded repeatedly. Previously, she had no idea what Yu Ying was cultivating, and only now did she learn about her Cultivation Technique. She sensibly retreated a few steps before choosing to leave, yet she still kept herself within a distance where she could see her Brother Jiang.

"Brother Jiang's skills are likely half dependent on women."

The English pantomime resumed.

But the sardonic and slightly provocative smile made one feel an urge to punch her, taking a deep breath to forcibly suppress the desire to throw a couple of punches at her.

"So, what exactly do you want me to do?"

Still couldn't hold back.

Studying too broadly can lead to indecision; this saying may apply to others, but it's not appropriate for him. Although he hasn't reached the realm of mastering anything with just one glance, with a few looks he can discern the intricacies, which isn't exaggerating at all.

What's more, the ability to openly cultivate this so-called "Evil Technique" within the Mountain Gate is exactly what he needed; even without the so-called Heavenly Power Peak inheritance, he might have still chosen to agree.

He needed a reason, or rather, someone to give him cover, and the boy already had thoughts about it. If he guessed correctly...

This matter might not have been Yu Ying's idea.

It's the senior sister's idea, or the current Heavenly Power Peak Master's idea. Even if it's not completely led by the senior sister, she must have spent a lot of effort, as Yu Ying doesn't have the qualifications or experience to make such a judgment.

The woman sitting opposite showed a subtle change in expression. Up until now, Jiang Feng still wasn't quite used to directly communicating using Divine Soul, often having flashes of thoughts; but she valued this very point.

Jiang Feng wasn't aware of the significance of being able to directly communicate with Yu Ying using Divine Soul.

Divine Soul is a vague concept. To use more modern terminology, it's a spiritual body. Some can cultivate their spiritual body into sainthood, becoming a Heavenly Venerate, while others do so with their physical body, but both are paths to sainthood.

The majority opt for the latter, as achieving sainthood with the physical body is simpler and more direct. However, Divine Soul is innately born, with most unable to actively cultivate it but enhancing as their realm progresses.

That's why soul cultivators are rare in the current era, yet rarity naturally comes with its advantages: difficult to cultivate, high entry barriers, which is the price, but correspondingly...

Once a soul cultivator reaches Mahayana, they almost attain an immortal realm, with the most classic example...

Is Xuan Xiaozi, who recently left Jiang Feng half-dead.

Although his body was completely shattered and his Divine Soul entirely crushed, he could still regroup and regain consciousness anytime, and even Demon Night True Monarch, who was left with mere remnants of his soul, could swallow Xuan Xiaozi alive.

"No, you don't need to do anything; rather, let's see to what extent you can achieve."

An illogical statement, but Yu Ying quickly clarified it.

"Just go with the flow."

"No matter what level of mastery you achieve with our Mountain Gate's marvelous techniques, what merits you earn from this Phoenix Heavenly Cave expedition, or what realm you reach in the future, it's up to you."

"As long as Brother Jiang remembers the help provided by our Heavenly Power Peak, and if you're able in the future, restore the name of our sect."

"Is this deal not worthwhile?"

The answer is undeniable.

It's essentially a gifted benefit.

His expression showed little surprise; this result was actually within expectations. It's a very worthwhile investment for Heavenly Power Peak; if he were in Peak Master Shan's position, he would've made the same decision.

Slight nod, calm reflection.

Their Mountain Gate's reputation is currently ruined, leaving biases within the sect; even though their foundation remains, there are some teachings they dare not openly share, fearing accidents.

What the Peak Master can do is find an adequate disciple within the sect who is excellent and suitable for the supreme techniques he holds.

This disciple must not only have a secure identity but also possess certain social standing, unable to be easily manipulated by others. Most importantly, this disciple mustn't be his own.

It must be someone else's.

Moreover, they must have sufficient potential for the future and gain influence in the sect, and the cultivation realm mustn't be too high, helping them while they are still growing.

Providing support in times of need always outweighs icing on the cake-related gestures, and after offering such help, what they seek is, when you acquire the sect's supreme techniques, once you have influence and strength, restore their status.

Restore their original position.

Detecting the diverse thoughts passing through the youth's mind, Yu Ying was both amazed and incredulous.

"Sometimes, it's hard to believe Brother Jiang is only twenty."

"Even in our first meeting, you exuded a composure and mindset not befitting your age, though slightly immature, but not resembling a newcomer to the martial world."

"Just wondering, among the fallen powerful figures over the past century... whose lineage does Brother Jiang inherit?"

Finally.

She revealed her cards.

At the moment this sentence was spoken, Yu Ying felt her Divine Soul being relentlessly pounded by waves. A familiar yet urgent panting echoed by her ears, a sound not human, but akin to the roar of a beast.

From this moment, the Divine Soul connection between her and the boy was completely severed, or rather, she actively cut the connection realizing danger.

"Just like last time, it's watching me, like a predator eyeing its prey."

"If I remember correctly, last time I was absorbed into Jiang Feng's body and had half my Divine Soul devoured by him. This likely isn't a simple inheritance."

"Master Liu, oh Master Liu, did you raise a hungry wolf or a starving tiger?"

"But that's good, only such figures can bring this supreme technique to glory..."

With foresight she withdrew her Divine Soul entirely, smiling innocently at the tall and handsome youth. Since their first meeting, Yu Ying had impure thoughts about Jiang Feng; she sensed his unusual demeanor.

The boy merely glanced at her but did not deny, as Yu Ying seemed to know him well, and from a certain point of view, they now stood on a unified front.

"If you genuinely want to know, I can tell you, but at your own risk."

Expression froze.

If it were someone else, she'd surely delve deeper, as she couldn't believe anything existed that she didn't qualify to know. But thinking of the dark and menacing serpent, she couldn't help but lose her smile.

She said it; the higher a cultivator's realm, the more innate their perception of danger, sensing it beyond her grasp.

Thus, she decisively changed the subject.

"Brother Jiang, our Heavenly Power Peak's true teachings are indeed profound and especially suitable for your cultivation. But, mastering in a hurry now is too late. Best to wait until after the Nine Peaks Martial Arts Contest, where I'll personally introduce you to Brother Shan, who currently is eager for talent."

"Furthermore, regarding your opponent tomorrow."

"The Nine Peaks Martial Arts Contest hasn't ended yet. I'm here mostly to gauge opinions and catch up with senior brothers. Tomorrow, Brother Jiang's contest is at the hour of Si, and your opponent is quite interesting."

Furrowed brows.

Until now, he didn't know who his opponent would be, given he had previously gotten a bye, and regrouping occurs every round to minimize unexpected outcomes.

"It's a disciple from Yuzhu Peak, reputed among the top three beauties among sect disciples..."