Dual Cultivation System: The Villainous Servant’s Rise

Chapter 275: In My Eyes, You Are Nothing But a Disposable Plaything

Ye Qingxuan smiled and shook her head.

She’d noticed that ever since Han Lie’s cultivation had soared and he’d regained his youth, his spirit had grown more vibrant, more alive. A change in perspective, perhaps. A man at his lowest and a man at his peak were two entirely different beings, after all, and their mindsets naturally dictated their actions.

A short while later, Han Lie finished preparing the tea.

Compared to the common fare provided by the inn, the Dao Comprehension Tea he’d spent 600,000 Spirit Stones on was in another league entirely. It was rich and smooth, its profound flavor lingering long after the first sip. A wave of pure refreshment washed over him, and it felt as if his very Divine Sense were drifting among the clouds—an ethereal sensation that defied description.

Most importantly, as he savored the aftertaste, Han Lie felt his understanding of the Great Dao deepen and clarify. If time permitted, he would have entered a meditative state on the spot to attempt his breakthrough to Nascent Soul Stage Perfection.

But there was no rush. Once they returned to the Sect, a short period of Secluded Cultivation would be all he needed. Reaching the peak of the Nascent Soul Stage would be a matter of course.

“Hmm… not bad at all. Those 600,000 Spirit Stones were well spent,” Han Lie mused with a satisfied smile. He promptly poured himself several more cups. The money was already gone; he might as well drink his fill.

………..

The next day, Han Lie and Ye Qingxuan checked out of their room, ready to depart from Ancient Desolate Heaven.

As they reached the courtyard with the teleportation array, preparing to return to Guqing City, Lin Jiaomei and her four attendants appeared. With them were several guards in the Chen Family’s livery—clearly the security detail provided for the Taiyin Profound Maiden Fruit she had won for 2.8 billion.

Yet, for reasons unknown, Lin Jiaomei dismissed them.

The guards protested, insisting it was their duty. If Lin Jiaomei were robbed within the Chen Family’s domain, they would be held responsible. But Lin Jiaomei was firm, stating that she would bear full responsibility for any incident and would not hold the Chen Family accountable. Seeing they couldn’t sway her, the guards had no choice but to depart.

Han Lie and Ye Qingxuan stood to the side, witnessing the entire exchange.

To Han Lie’s surprise, Lin Jiaomei didn’t approach them. There were no taunts for Ye Qingxuan, no predatory teasing for him.

Ye Qingxuan was more than happy for the reprieve. She had always despised the woman.

At noon, the teleportation array flared to life, whisking Han Lie, Ye Qingxuan, Lin Jiaomei, and the day’s other travelers back to Guqing City.

Upon their return, Ye Qingxuan continued to ignore Lin Jiaomei, leading Han Lie away without a word. But Lin Jiaomei and her four female cultivators simply followed, maintaining a steady distance behind them. They made no move to catch up, merely shadowing their every step.

Only after they had left Guqing City and flown for thousands of miles did Ye Qingxuan finally come to a halt.

As expected, Lin Jiaomei’s group caught up moments later.

Ye Qingxuan raised her gaze, her beautiful eyes glinting like ice. “This Palace has never seen someone who, after acquiring a treasure worth billions, forgoes securing it and instead stalks another who bears her ill will,” she said, her voice frigid. “Do you truly believe This Palace would not dare to act against you?”

Lin Jiaomei’s confidence was unshakable. “I would never assume such a thing. It’s simply that, in my eyes, you lack the power to take anything from me by force.” She smiled, a venomous sweetness in her tone. “Alright, I won’t waste words on a little bitch like you. You want the Taiyin Profound Maiden Fruit, don’t you? Why not make a trade with me?”

“Hmm?” Ye Qingxuan’s delicate brows furrowed slightly.

“Wh-what trade?” Han Lie interjected, his face a mask of anxiety.

“Of course…” Lin Jiaomei’s crimson lips curled into a predatory smirk. “I will trade the Taiyin Profound Maiden Fruit in my possession for the pretty boy at your side. A tempting offer, is it not?”

As she spoke, she slowly licked her lips, her gaze devouring Han Lie as if he were a tender lamb ready for slaughter.

“Get lost! I refuse!” Han Lie spat, his expression one of utter disgust.

Lin Jiaomei’s usual playful demeanor vanished, replaced by cold mockery. “Does a toy boy like you have any say in this? Have you forgotten your place?”

With Han Lie’s meager Nascent Soul Stage cultivation, Lin Jiaomei didn’t need to be a genius to understand his situation. His fate was entirely in Ye Qingxuan’s hands. His willingness was irrelevant; only Ye Qingxuan’s consent mattered.

“Zi Zi, don’t listen to her! Let’s go!” Han Lie grabbed Ye Qingxuan’s hand, trying to pull her away, but…

She ripped her hand from his grasp. Her face was a cold, emotionless mask. “The Taiyin Profound Maiden Fruit,” she demanded. “Where is it?”

Hearing this, Lin Jiaomei’s smile widened with profound meaning.

“Zi Zi…? You…!” Han Lie stared, his eyes wide with disbelief. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

*CRACK!*

The sharp sound of a slap echoed in the silence. Ye Qingxuan had struck him across the face, her voice dripping with domineering cruelty. “This Palace indulges you, and you forget your place?”

“For years, how many resources has This Palace poured into you? Now, it is time you repaid the debt.” Her words were like daggers. “You should be honored. Your worth has been appraised at 2.8 billion Spirit Stones.”

Han Lie clutched his swelling cheek, his world shattering. Disbelief, terror, and raw panic crashed over him in a suffocating wave as he stared at her.

A storm of emotions churned within him.

“Sect Leader!” he cried, his voice trembling with palpable fear. “I’m begging you, don’t sell me! I’ll die… I’ll really die! I saw it myself—I saw her drain a Soul Formation Stage cultivator dry!”

“And what has that to do with me?” Ye Qingxuan’s voice was a blade of ice, devoid of all warmth. “If this is your fate, accept it. In my eyes, you are nothing but a disposable plaything. Does one mourn the breaking of a toy?”

“Hahahahaha!”

Lin Jiaomei threw her head back and roared with laughter, her voice dripping with scorn. “You see, pretty boy? This is the truth of the world. In the face of absolute profit, sentiment is utterly worthless!” She gestured dismissively at Ye Qingxuan. “Why would you follow such a heartless, treacherous bitch who has no real power?”

“Come with me,” she purred. “I promise to treat you well.”

“STAY AWAY FROM ME!” Han Lie roared, his voice cracking with hysteria. His eyes, fixed on Lin Jiaomei, were filled with pure, unadulterated terror.

“Hahahaha!” His fear only amused her more, her laughter echoing with derision.

“This Palace’s patience is limited,” Ye Qingxuan cut in coldly. “The Taiyin Profound Maiden Fruit. Now.”

“My, you seem to be in quite a hurry,” Lin Jiaomei drawled, a playful curve on her lips as she savored the moment.

“Do you imagine This Palace enjoys the sight of your whorish face?” Ye Qingxuan shot back.

“Fine, fine. It’s not as if I enjoy looking at that sanctimonious mask of yours either.”

With a flick of her jade-like hand, a small, exquisite wooden box appeared in Lin Jiaomei’s palm. Wisps of bone-chilling mist seeped from its seams, a testament to the treasure held within.

………..