Could it be that I am the cruel villain?
Chapter 397 - 250: Seeing Cen Yueyue Again_3

The expression on Yue Yue’s face tightened up like a thief trying to lower her voice, clearly frustrated as her sister mentioned it every time.

"My point is, if Liu Jianxian allows Jiang Feng to join this trip to Phoenix Heavenly Cave, then why not pull him in as an ally?"

"This time, our parents wanted us to scope out potential and reliable allies. After all, once we enter the Winter Realm, it’s every man for himself, and you know the character of the other families from the Southern Border."

"Internally, it’s all chaos, fighting like cats and dogs. And then there’s Hou Family Village, their eldest grandchild feigned sincerity coming over to ask if I wanted to form an alliance. Form an alliance with what, my foot!"

"If we happen to meet him there, we might as well pull him in, help him out a bit, give Purple Cloud Palace a favor—oh, and if anyone at home opposes it.""

"Cousin, that’s when we need you to step in!"

The girl vigorously patted Zhuang Zhuang’s arm, which was thicker than her own leg.

This revealed her true intentions.

In her eyes, Jiang Feng was probably still struggling with Foundation Establishment, and even two years later, at best he might just reach the early stages of Core Formation. With that Sword Immortal’s temperament, he wouldn’t let Jiang Feng just sit idle in the sect; he would definitely come out to experience the world.

So, this was where she saw her opportunity. Zhuang Zhuang frowned immediately on hearing this, understanding his sister’s intentions all too well.

He’s meant to use his status to silence any opposing family members.

"Dad and the other great powers tried their best but could only make a tiny hole into Phoenix Heavenly Cave, only those below Divinity Transformation Stage can barely squeeze through. Most of those who enter are likely at Core Formation and Nascent Soul stages."

"His realm is low, he’ll probably get bullied inside. If we can meet him on the day of the grand ceremony, why not take him along? The clan will surely disapprove, and that’s when you’ll need to step forward."

"Hmm~ How about my suggestion?"

Silence.

The siblings entered the city with ease, taking no detours. The city gates were wide open with numerous guards stationed to enforce curfew and prevent locals from leaving the city.

But seeing the siblings approaching from afar, the guards didn’t stop or question them, instead, just saluted as they walked brazenly into the city, not uttering a single word.

The guards clearly knew what they were dealing with: the woman, dressed magnificently and exuding an air of celestial beauty, and the man looking like an attendant or bodyguard beside her. Stopping them or even giving an extra glance seemed almost criminal.

After a while, Zhuang Zhuang suddenly stopped in front of a tea house, paused, and then squeezed out a few words.

"I don’t think it’s necessary."

"What? You’re not willing?"

With a raise of her eyebrow, her face instantly changed.

Zhuang Zhuang stepped back in panic, raising both hands in surrender, and stammered, "Cousin, I think you’re overthinking it. Brother Jiang is so powerful, by the day Phoenix Heavenly Cave opens, we might even need his help instead."

"What nonsense are you talking about? Did you not sleep well?"

"No, really, I’m not talking nonsense, that mark over there was clearly made by Brother Jiang. He’s already reached Core Formation, his cultivation speed is frighteningly fast."

"What?"

She looked at her cousin as if he were an idiot.

"How is that possible, don’t I know him better? If he managed to cultivate from scratch to Core Formation under three years, I would directly—"

Looking around, she then pointed to a swill bucket across the street, about to say something, but then noticed her brother just raising a finger.

Following the direction of the finger to the upper right corner, and seeing the man standing on the balcony holding a tea, with blood on his face and a teeth-baring yet polite and awkward smile.

"Long time no see, your tastes and manners are growing ever more...flavorful."