News of Song Wanníng's victory in the recent challenge spread quickly throughout the sect.
Many of the sect's prodigies heard not only about her win but also her bold declaration afterward. Yet none of them took it to heart. They had no real interest in Song Wanníng, much less any intention of stepping forward to challenge her.
In short, they did not see her as worth their time.
Only Jiang Cen paid particular attention to the matter.
Once again, she made her way to Liu Xingzhi's peak under the pretense of seeking instruction. She arrived to see Liu Xingzhi guiding Zhang Shuning in cultivation, and at once, a wave of discomfort welled up inside her.
Especially when she thought of the relationship between these two in the story, her irritation deepened. She strode over without hesitation and forced herself into the space between them.
The moment Liu Xingzhi saw her, a flicker of annoyance crossed his face, and he turned to leave.
Jiang Cen grew anxious and called out, "Liu Xingzhi, if you dare walk away, I'll tell my father immediately! I'm only here to ask about cultivation. Do you have to treat me like this?"
Her eyes reddened as she spoke, the grievance in her voice genuine.
All the mistakes were made by the original host of this body. What did they have to do with her?
Beside them, Zhang Shuning's brows furrowed deeply, and a flash of killing intent passed through her eyes as she looked at Jiang Cen. This woman had bullied her master for a long time. Now she even dared to threaten him using the Martial Ancestor. Unforgivable.
But unfortunately, her master was the type to take such threats seriously.
Ah, her master's respect for his seniors was too great. That was why he kept getting oppressed by Jiang Cen. If not for that, with their respective cultivation levels, who would be bullying whom was far from certain.
Sure enough, upon hearing the threat, cold light flickered across Liu Xingzhi's usually indifferent face. But in the end, he did not leave. He returned to the stone table, sat down, and asked coolly, "What is it you wish to know?"
If Jiang Cen's question had nothing to do with cultivation, he would walk away immediately.
Seeing this, Jiang Cen pressed her lips together to hide her smile.
All she needed was more contact with him. In time, he would discover her virtues and inevitably fall in love with her.
She was absolutely confident.
After all, she wasn't one of those dull, provincial natives. She could show Liu Xingzhi a more interesting life, maybe even change his cold personality entirely.
"I've been cultivating lately and found a problem. Senior Brother, could you explain it to me?"
Without making it obvious, Jiang Cen pushed Zhang Shuning aside and moved closer to Liu Xingzhi.
He remained impassive as he took the formation manual she handed over. With a single glance, he saw the issue and pointed it out.
In just a few words, her question was resolved. Jiang Cen had wanted to prolong the exchange, but Liu Xingzhi stood and walked away without looking back.
This time, no matter how much she called after him, he did not stop.
She could only watch as he shut the door in her face, a strange sense of grievance rising in her chest. That wretched man… Someday he would regret this, and when he did, it would be his turn to burn with longing!
Turning, her gaze landed on Zhang Shuning.
What a fake, pretentious white lotus. The sight of her was an eyesore.
Jiang Cen gave her one more dissatisfied look before leaving.
She had barely gone a few steps when she overheard Song Wanníng's bold words. Her brows lifted in surprise.
This level of arrogance was on par with the original host's.
Rubbing her chin, a glimmer of calculation flashed in her eyes.
With Song Wanníng's terrible temperament, she could serve as the perfect contrast. If used well, it might even restore Jiang Cen's reputation.
And once there was a clear comparison, Liu Xingzhi would realize her change even sooner.
After some thought, she flew toward Zhuiyun Peak.
Meanwhile, Song Wanníng was practicing her swordplay. She had just touched the threshold of linking channels, and with more practice, the power she could unleash would surely be far greater in the future.
Then, without warning, a figure appeared atop the peak.
Song Wanníng's lips curved faintly. Pretending not to see, she swung her sword, sending a gleam of sword light slicing straight toward Jiang Cen.
Jiang Cen had not thought much of Song Wanníng and certainly hadn't considered that she was disturbing her cultivation. But the moment she landed, that sword strike came, carrying intense killing intent that forced her to dodge aside in haste. A few strands of hair were severed, drifting to the ground.
Any slower, and she would have been injured.
Her expression darkened, but just as she was about to lash out, she remembered her plan and forced herself to swallow her temper.
"My apologies for disturbing your cultivation."
She forced a smile and walked toward Song Wanníng, who had just sheathed her sword.
Song Wanníng arched a brow, surprised by her reaction—until her heart-voice sounded again.
"This hateful woman. If I didn't need a brainless lackey to make me look good, who would bother seeking you out? What a humiliation!"
A brainless lackey?
Song Wanníng's eyes lit with interest.
Was that supposed to mean her?
This intruder's thought process was… amusing.
What did she want with her as a lackey?
"Hmph, the Lingxi Secret Realm will end up with Liu Xingzhi as the leader. I have to find a way to change his opinion of me, and while I'm at it, collect the opportunities inside.
The book says the Lingxi Secret Realm hides a supreme treasure that even the female lead, Zhang Shuning, doesn't know about!
Once I pull Song Wanníng to my side, I'll let her fight with Zhang Shuning while I claim the treasure…"
Her familiarity with the plot was Jiang Cen's greatest cheat.
Aside from bullying others under her father's protection, the original host's cultivation had been built entirely on pills. She was the only daughter of Jiang Yingtian, and her mother had died early, so her father spoiled her outrageously.
Whatever she wanted, she got.
Her past arrogance had earned the resentment of the sect's prodigies, making it impossible to win them over in the short term.
But Song Wanníng… She was someone worth using.
For now, Jiang Cen's top priority was to make herself seem more outstanding.
She had no idea that Song Wanníng had heard every detail of her thoughts. Song Wanníng approached with an easy smile and said, "Song Wanníng, is it? I'm Jiang Cen, daughter of the Taishang Elder Jiang Yingtian. By seniority, you should address me as Martial Uncle."
"Martial Uncle Jiang."
Song Wanníng's smile deepened as she followed along without resistance.
Jiang Cen's little scheme… How delightful.
She could play the part of a "brainless lackey" for now.
After all, she was curious about that treasure too.
"Haha, I'll just call you Wanníng from now on, so we sound closer."
Seeing no sign of rejection from Song Wanníng, Jiang Cen grew even more pleased.
"Only this fool doesn't know about my reputation."
"You've just joined the sect, so there's a lot you must not know yet, right? In a few days, the Void Refinement disciples will enter the Lingxi Secret Realm. Unfortunately, you're a new disciple, so it seems there's no spot for you this time."
She sighed with a look of regret.