Dual Cultivation System: The Villainous Servant’s Rise

Chapter 252: The New Hall Master? Stealing a Kiss Comes with a Penalty

“I have to admit,” Han Lie said, a satisfied grin stretching across his face, “that was… effective.”

“Hmph. Naturally.” Chi Lian tossed her hair back, her chin lifted in triumph. “If it didn’t work, all my research would have been in vain, wouldn’t it?”

After a bit more idle banter and adjusting their disheveled robes, Chi Lian stood up. “Alright. By now, the Elder Council should have received a stack of applications for the Hall Master position. Come with me. Let’s see who thinks they are worthy.”

Han Lie nodded, wrapping an arm around Chi Lian’s slender, seductive waist as they strolled out of the Moon Rain Pavilion.

Elder Council, Grand Elder’s Office.

A stack of nearly twenty jade slips and parchment scrolls sat waiting on Chi Lian’s obsidian desk.

“Oh my, quite a few ambitious souls,” Chi Lian noted as she sat down, waving a hand to beckon him closer. “Help me sift through the trash, Little Brother.”

“As you command, Sister Chi Lian.”

Han Lie picked up the first application and scanned it.

It was from a disciple of the Spirit Treasure Hall named Zhao Qingsong. Judging by his self-introduction, he was a relic of the previous generation—an Early Nascent Soul cultivator who had stagnated in the Heavenly Void Sect for over 300 years.

In his letter, Zhao outlined a dry, bureaucratic plan to “revitalize” the Overlord Hall. It read like a manual on how to be mediocre.

Han Lie frowned. The man had only just met the cultivation requirement. He had no edge, no ruthlessness.

“Pass,” Han Lie muttered, tossing the scroll aside. “Too old, too safe.”

He picked up the next one.

Half an hour passed in silence, save for the rustling of paper and the occasional sigh of boredom. They went through all 20 applications.

“Well?” Chi Lian asked, leaning back in her chair. “Did anyone catch your eye?”

“No,” Han Lie said flatly. “They’re all… average. They follow the rules. They say the right things. But there’s no fire. I can’t see any of them controlling a pack of wolves like the Overlord Hall.”

“Is that so?” Chi Lian’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I actually found a rather interesting proposal on my side.”

She slid a document across the desk. “And I believe you know the applicants quite well.”

Han Lie raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Are you referring to Qin Lan and Zhuo Hongyi from the Law Enforcement Hall?”

“Precisely,” Chi Lian purred. “Qin Lan is a veteran. Her cultivation might be slightly lower than some of the older monsters, but she was the Captain of the Vermilion Bird Squad. Her management skills are impeccable.”

“And Zhuo Hongyi,” she continued, tapping a manicured fingernail on the desk, “brings the raw power. She is a true combatant.”

“Wait.” Han Lie picked up the document, scanning it quickly. “Are you saying they applied together?”

“You could say that,” Chi Lian nodded. “Their proposal is a joint leadership. Qin Lan as the Hall Master to handle administration and strategy, and Zhuo Hongyi as the Deputy Hall Master to enforce order. They plan to combine their strengths to rebuild the Overlord Hall from the ground up.”

Han Lie rubbed his chin, thoughtful.

Individually, they might have struggled against senior candidates like Zhao Qingsong. But as a ticket? They covered each other’s weaknesses perfectly. Brains and brawn. Ice and fire.

“So, Grand Elder,” Han Lie asked, testing the waters, “what is your inclination?”

Chi Lian didn’t answer directly. Instead, she fixed him with a piercing look. “What do you think?”

“If you’re asking me…” Han Lie grinned. “Then I think it’s perfect. Objectively, they have the experience from the Law Enforcement Hall. They know the sect’s laws better than anyone.”

He leaned forward. “And subjectively? They are my people. I support them one hundred percent.”

“Excellent. Then it’s settled,” Chi Lian said breezily.

“Uh… just like that?” Han Lie blinked.

“Just like that,” Chi Lian smiled, amused by his reaction. “I know your relationship with them. Even if I didn’t trust their capabilities, I trust you. If you say they can do it, then they can do it.”

“But… doesn’t this need to go to a vote in the Elder Council?” Han Lie asked. “You announced that publicly.”

“The vote?” Chi Lian waved her hand dismissively. “That’s just theater for the masses. In this room, Little Brother, I am the vote. What I say, goes.”

“Fair enough. As expected of the Grand Elder.” Han Lie laughed, shaking his head.

It was true. Even his own promotion to the Council had been steamrolled through by her. If she could make an Elder on a whim, appointing a Hall Master was child’s play.

“Hmph. As long as you keep your Sister happy,” Chi Lian murmured, her voice dropping to a sultry register, “everything in this sect is negotiable.”

She gave him a meaningful look, her eyes traveling down his body.

Han Lie understood perfectly. Keep her fed, keep her satisfied, and the keys to the kingdom are mine.

“Hahaha.” They shared a knowing laugh, the air thick with unspoken intimacy.

Chi Lian tidied the papers on her desk. “Alright. Since you performed so well this week, I won’t monopolize any more of your time. Go do whatever you need to do.”

Han Lie nodded and stood up.

As he turned to leave, a sudden impulse seized him. He leaned over the desk and planted a quick, stealing kiss on Chi Lian’s glossy red lips.

He pulled back with a grin, intending to retreat.

“Little Brother…” Chi Lian’s eyes narrowed, darkening with desire. “Stealing a kiss carries a penalty.”

Before he could react, she grabbed his collar and yanked him back down. This was no peck; she kissed him with a devouring intensity, her tongue tangling with his, claiming him thoroughly.

Only after she had left him breathless did she release him.

“Now you may go,” she whispered, licking her lips.

Han Lie left the Elder Council in high spirits.

He headed straight for the Law Enforcement Peak. After a quick inquiry, he learned that both Zhuo Hongyi and Qin Lan were at the Vermilion Bird Squad headquarters.

He didn’t bother with stealth. He walked openly toward the building.

“Elder Han? It’s Elder Han!”

The disciple on guard duty froze, then shouted in excitement, his voice cracking.

Within moments, the quiet office erupted. Dozens of disciples flooded out, their eyes wide with awe and adoration.

“Greetings, Elder Han!”

“Elder Han has come to visit!”

They looked at him as if he were a descending god.

Han Lie paused, looking at the sea of eager faces. A strange sense of déjà vu washed over him, layered with a heavy irony.

Not so long ago, he had been a servant disciple—an invisible “Old Han” who swept the floors and was ignored by everyone. He had walked into this very building countless times, often risking his life, navigating the dangerous politics of the Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise squads. Back then, he was prey.

Now?

The same disciples who wouldn’t have spared him a glance were bowing low enough to scrape their noses on the dirt.

Han Lie smiled, a cynical edge to his lips. He suddenly recalled an old line of poetry about the fickleness of human nature.

If you come to me in the bitter winter, I will brave the snow to welcome you. But if you only come in the spring to add flowers to the brocade… I will not open the door.