True Heir of Chaos: From Villainess to Empress

Palace Master Mo Lie hadn't expected the first to accept such a dangerous mission would be Mo Yue, a peak master who had only recently joined the Heavenly Demon Palace and was still at the early stage of Divine Transformation.

For a moment, the grand hall fell silent. Then came Mo Qi's hearty laugh.

"Junior Sister Mo Yue, you beat us to it. Count me in as well."

"I volunteer," came Mo Su's cool voice.

"Ah, how could you leave me behind? Mo Yi's coming too."

Before the rest of the Divine Transformation cultivators could speak, the four had already formed a team. Tang Jian could only clench his fists and abandon any hope of joining their squad. He had no intention of throwing his life away—not all merits were worth dying for.

Within moments, the team was settled, much to the surprise of Mo Lie, though he was secretly pleased.

Mo Su was his disciple, steady and intelligent. Mo Qi, the strongest among them at the late stage of Divine Transformation, represented the established demon cultivator clans. Mo Yi played the fool but excelled at gathering intel and had strong roots within the palace's internal factions. Mo Yue, decisive and deadly, represented the mortal disciples who had clawed their way to power.

An unassuming lineup, yet each one reflected a different sphere of influence within the Heavenly Demon Palace.

"Very well. You four shall receive a personal talisman crafted by a Mahayana Zhēnzūn. Each contains three strikes sealed with the full might of a Mahayana powerhouse. May they aid you in fulfilling your mission."

"Thank you, Palace Master."

Their voices rang out in unison.

With the core matter settled, the rest was mere logistics. Nascent Soul cultivators were assigned according to their peak affiliations to ensure familiarity and cooperation in battle.

Once the assignments were done, Mo Lie appointed Mo Zhang Zunzhē as expedition commander. Departure was set for three days later.

Mo Yue and her three teammates agreed to discuss tactics en route, then each returned to their respective peaks to make final preparations.

Mo Ying Peak, Grand Hall

Mo Yue lounged casually in the main seat. Before her stood Head Steward Ying Luo, along with eight other stewards and eighteen deputies. Most of them had been promoted after her swift rise to power, and a few she was meeting for the first time.

She briefly reflected that she had been a somewhat negligent peak master. Still, she had never intended to play politics. These stewards had all been selected by Gong Yi, and she had simply approved the list without objection.

At the time, Gong Yi had been stunned. He hadn't expected Mo Yue to approve his candidates so easily. He couldn't tell whether it was a show of trust or complete indifference.

"I have taken on a major mission for the sect and will likely be absent from the peak for some time. I am leaving Mo Ying Peak in your hands."

"Please rest assured, Peak Master. We will not disappoint you."

Their reply was clear and in unison.

"Good. I like that answer. Let's hope you can live up to it."

She cast a brief glance across the hall. Blue light shimmered in her sea-colored eyes, and for a fleeting second, the same glimmer flashed through the eyes of all twenty-seven people below.

"Let me be perfectly clear. If anyone dares to go against me, betrays Mo Ying Peak, or acts to my detriment, they will not even know how they died. Understood?"

"Yes, Peak Master. We do not dare."

"Best if you don't. Of course, there will be rewards for good work."

Having delivered her warning, she called for Gong Yi.

"What are your squad's plans?"

Gong Yi, always serious, grew even more solemn but replied respectfully.

"Team Gong is currently under your command. We await your orders."

To Mo Yue, bringing them along was of little benefit. Their cultivation levels were too low, and the mission too dangerous. They would only drag her down, which she couldn't afford.

Gong Yi saw her hesitation and knew she wasn't planning to take them. Still, he made one final plea.

"Our nine-man unit can form a small-scale offensive and defensive formation. United, we can fight on par with a Divine Transformation cultivator."

Mo Yue raised her hand to cut him off.

"I understand your intent, but I've decided not to bring you. First, your cultivation is insufficient for what lies ahead. Second, we've never fought together, so there's no tactical synergy. Most importantly, once I leave Mo Ying Peak, all sorts of pests will crawl out of the woodwork. I need you to guard this place."

She paused, then added coldly,

"One more thing: the Ma clan is forbidden from setting foot on Mo Ying Peak. If they try, cut them down."

"Understood."

"That's all. Handle things as you see fit. You may go."

With the last issue settled, Mo Yue devoted her remaining time to cultivation and rest. A full cycle of her Heavenly Demon Art was followed by deep sleep, and so three days passed swiftly.

Day of Departure

Mo Yue had packed, activated the wards around her cave residence, and stepped out of the grand hall.

Awaiting her outside was a crowd of over a hundred stewards and aides, all lined up in perfect order.

"We respectfully see off Mo Yue Jūnshàng. May you return in victory!"

Mo Yue nodded. At least her role as peak master had earned her this much respect. With a wave, she stepped onto the waiting black flying vessel.

"Junior Sister Mo Yue, who knew you were so beloved?" Mo Yi joked from the deck, clearly having waited just to tease her.

"Jealous, are you? I can hand over the peak master position if you like."

"Please don't. I'm used to freedom. No shackles for me."

"Others fight over it, and you act like it's a curse. Step aside, you're blocking my view."

Mo Qi called her over. Mo Yue joined her in the training chamber onboard. Mo Su followed silently, and Mo Yi shrugged and came along.

Once the wards were up, the joking stopped. It was time to focus.

"Here's the map of the Ming Valley," Mo Qi said, tapping a jade slip onto the table.

"The valley sits at the intersection of the Daoist, demon, and beast territories of Lingyun Continent."

She pointed at the narrow entrance.

"The mouth is small, but it opens into a massive interior. No one knows what lies at the deepest point. So far, Mahayana Zhēnzūns have only stabilized the entrance. Those who went in couldn't go beyond a hundred li."

"Why's that?" Mo Yue asked.

"The demon qi is too pure. It forces cultivation growth. Mahayana Zhēnzūn are already at the peak of this realm. Absorbing any more pushes them to the edge of ascension."