The "highly skilled" Little Wushuang

With so many influential figures present, Wu Neng and the Wu family were like fish on a chopping block, awaiting their fate. If Ji Wushuang demanded its left fin, it wouldn't dare to offer its right.

But Ji Wushuang hadn't spent a fortune hiring enforcers merely to claim a "fin."

She wanted the spine.

"Hand over the spiritual mine your family discovered five centuries ago to my Yunlan Sect."

Her cool, ethereal voice fell, plunging the surroundings into silence. Even the "Four Villains" of Yunlan Sect couldn't help but gasp.

D*mn. They thought they were ruthless enough, but little Wushuang was on another level.

And yet... why did it feel so satisfying?

The spiritual mine in question lay within Yunlan Sect's territory. Years ago, the Wu family had done the sect a great favor and specifically requested that piece of land. Yunlan Sect's scouts, finding nothing remarkable, had agreed.

But the Wu family unearthed a spiritual mine.

Since then, other sects mocked Yunlan Sect for failing to recognize a gem under their noses.

On the way to the Wu family, Ji Wushuang had asked about their affairs, and now it was clear this was her true goal.

How thrilling.

How utterly thrilling.

Wu Neng's instinctive retort came in a roar: "Dream on! Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

For five centuries, the Wu family's meteoric rise to become Yicheng's foremost cultivation clan was tied to that mine.

And now Ji Wushuang, shamelessly, demanded it outright!

Over his dead body!

Ji Wushuang blinked innocently. "But nothing else you offer would interest me. After all, I lack for nothing."

She glanced at the rows of seventh- and eighth-grade spiritual artifacts nearby, leaving Wu Neng choking on his words.

D*mn it all!

Were the Yunlan Sect elders insane?

Spoiling this brat so much that she was impossible to deal with!

Wu Neng's eyes reddened. "That mine is the lifeblood of my Wu family! Are you trying to destroy us? Aren't you afraid of divine retribution?"

Ji Wushuang smirked. "What, your lack of good fortune is my fault now? Weakness is a virtue? Arrogance, your privilege?"

Wu Neng: "..."

Seeing Wu Neng on the verge of an outburst, Lian Xing quickly intervened. "Ahem, little Wushuang, Wu Neng is getting on in years. Let's show some respect to our elders."

Ji Wushuang pouted. "Fine, then give us a hundred years of usage rights. After that, Yunlan Sect will return the mine."

Had Ji Wushuang started with this offer, the Wu family would never have agreed.

But by first making an outrageous demand and then stepping back, she made a century-long lease seem like a blessing.

Sure enough, the bloodlust in Wu Neng's eyes diminished.

The Wu family's mine was vast, and Wu Neng had concealed its most critical section with a secret technique from his old sect, now long destroyed.

This meant no one but him could access its true treasures.

Sensing his hesitation, Yao Cang, who had been silent until now, spoke. "Wu Neng, our Yunlan Sect has already compromised. If you still refuse, we'll have to summon the patriarch to mediate."

The patriarch—none other than the tyrannical, Nascent Soul-stage elder, Shi Lei!

Remembering Shi Lei's oppressive aura, Wu Neng didn't hesitate long before nodding.

A hundred years...

How many spirit stones would they lose in a century?

Ji Wushuang was truly ruthless!

With Wu Neng's agreement, the matter proceeded smoothly. Witnessed by Daoist Xingyue, Daoist Miaobi, and Master Lu, both parties swore an oath and signed a contract.

From that day, the spiritual mine belonged to Yunlan Sect.

Ji Wushuang, thoroughly pleased, suddenly turned to Mo Lanyi, who was pale and hiding in the corner like a mushroom.

"Senior Sister Mo, I misjudged you. You're not a bringer of misfortune but a blessing to our sect. Thank you, Senior Sister."

The Heavenly Dao's purple aura: [...]

What was the epitome of a heart-piercing remark?

What was the ultimate method of sowing discord?

This was it.

The Heavenly Dao lay dormant within Ji Wushuang, resigned. Whatever the fate of its chosen one, Ji Wushuang's cunning was insurmountable.

Mo Lanyi, initially confused, realized Ji Wushuang's words were a trap when her ghostly mentor screamed in her mind, warning her of Wu Neng's growing suspicion.

He might now believe she had conspired with Ji Wushuang to deceive the Wu family!

Mo Lanyi nearly coughed up blood, her mind screaming, "Despicable! Ji Wushuang, I'll kill you!"

Her mentor sighed. "You'd better sever ties with Wu Neng."

"But..."

"Unless you wish to die!"

"...Fine."

"And remember, Ji Wushuang has protectors. Wu Neng may not harm her, but he can harm you. Until you're strong enough to face him, stay close to Yunlan Sect and keep a low profile."

"But..."

"No buts."

Even as Mo Lanyi tried to make sense of it all, Ji Wushuang tilted her head and blinked at her. "Senior Sister Mo, I'm thanking you."

Mo Lanyi cursed silently, forced a weak smile, and slipped behind the "Four Villains," avoiding Wu Neng's gaze.

Unbeknownst to her, this only confirmed his suspicions.

To Wu Neng, Mo Lanyi, Ji Wushuang, and Ye Qian had schemed to deceive the Wu family and seize the mine.

Their methods were vile beyond compare!

Fine. Fine!

If Wu Neng didn't avenge this humiliation, he would reverse his name and write it backward!