It's Hard for a Villain Character Not to Collapse - Chapter 16

Chapter - 16

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After the two previous farces were quelled, everyone became more disciplined. Xuan Yang Pavilion quickly restored order, with some people continuing to register while others indulged in gossip.

A few individuals emboldened, approached Xiao Jiuci to seek guidance. Xiao Jiuci treated them kindly, generously sharing his knowledge.

As a result, more and more people gathered around Xiao Jiuci, forcing him to move outside. It was practically a meet-and-greet event for a celebrity in the cultivation world.

Meanwhile, Qiao Han, following the registration line, finally arrived in front of the long registration table.

Several disciples from the Qingyun Sect, who had been punished for their mistakes, were dejectedly focused on their tasks. When they looked up and saw Qiao Han, their expressions immediately turned wary.

“Y-Young Master Qiao, what... what brings you here?”

Qiao Han had been in Qingyun Sect for a month, during which his reputation for arrogance and bullying had already spread far and wide. Just now, he had gotten into a conflict with someone. Although it had been the other person’s fault, the disciples also believed that Qiao Han had a bad temper. When others encountered similar situations, things didn’t escalate, but with him, the commotion quickly spiraled into something big. Everyone assumed he was relying on the protection of the Xiao Jiuci backing him.

At this moment, they instinctively thought he had come to demand accountability for the earlier incident.

Qiao Han blinked, somewhat puzzled, and simply pulled out five low-grade spirit stones. “I’m here to register.”

Several disciples were utterly dumbfounded, casting bewildered glances toward the senior brother outside the hall. Unfortunately, Xiao Jiuci couldn’t see them.

“You’re registering for the Qingyun Sect’s Inner Sect Disciple Recruitment Assembly?” The disciple in front of Qiao Han asked again.

Qiao Han frowned in confusion. “Why else would I be standing in line? For fun?”

The disciples exchanged looks, utterly unprepared for the possibility that he was here to register.

The senior brother’s Dao companion wants to become an Inner Sect disciple of the Qingyun Sect? What’s going on here?

The disciples, their expressions frozen, mechanically proceeded to test Qiao Han’s spiritual roots and cultivation level, recorded his registration, and handed him an examination token.

Receiving the token, Qiao Han was overjoyed. He felt like he had taken another step closer to becoming a true junior brother to Xiao Jiuci.

Standing near the entrance, Lu Zhui, who was watching the lively scene in the square, saw Qiao Han walk over with a beaming face and teased, “So happy? You know, Jiuci already cares about you a lot. It’s fine even if you don’t become an Inner Sect disciple.”

"What nonsense are you spouting?", Qiao Han said in a dismissive tone.

“Just now, when he sensed you were in trouble, he rushed over to save you immediately—faster than even I could react,” Lu Zhui continued with a grin.

Qiao Han’s lips twitched. “Brother Lu, indulging in too much gossip will only lead you astray.”

“Huh?” Lu Zhui was momentarily stunned, not understanding what Qiao Han meant.

Qiao Han glanced toward the male protagonist surrounded by a crowd and thought proudly, “Even if it were someone else, as long as he knew they were in danger, he’d do everything in his power to save them. It has nothing to do with who it is.”

Lu Zhui was momentarily speechless, then chuckled. “You really do understand him well.”

Qiao Han immediately raised his chin proudly. "Of course, I do understand him well."

Sensing something, Xiao Jiuci turned his head toward the entrance. Seeing that Qiao Han had come out and was looking at him with bright, shining eyes, Xiao Jiuci paused, dismissed the crowd around him, and walked to the doorway.

“All done?” Xiao Jiuci looked down at Qiao Han, the corners of his lips curving into a natural smile.

“Mm,” Qiao Han nodded.

“Then let’s go. I’ll take you to Puxian Peak,” Xiao Jiuci said.

Qiao Han immediately waved his hand. “No need. I already spoke with Senior Brother Jiang Yin. He’s heading back later and can take me along.”

Qiao Han had already noticed that, as the sect’s senior brother, Xiao Jiuci was incredibly busy since his return. With the sect master in seclusion, many internal matters required Xiao Jiuci’s attention. Qiao Han figured he shouldn’t add to his workload.

Although he really wanted to spend more time with his idol, he knew he couldn’t be unreasonable.

Hearing this, Xiao Jiuci froze for a moment, but before he could respond, Jiang Yin, having just completed his treatment duties, ran over. “I’m all set on my end. Ready to go?”

“Let’s go!” Qiao Han replied enthusiastically.

After speaking, Qiao Han waved at Xiao Jiuci and Lu Zhui. “I’m going, bye-bye.”

Lu Zhui smiled and waved back. “I’ll return to the sect later. Qiao Han, see you at the selection assembly. Train well this month, alright?”

“Mm!” Qiao Han responded, but instinctively glanced at Xiao Jiuci as if waiting for his approval before leaving.

Xiao Jiuci’s voice was gentle. “Bye”

Qiao Han turned to prepare to hop onto Jiang Yin’s flying sword but paused awkwardly, reaching out to touch the blade first to confirm its stability before nimbly jumping on.

“Hold on tight,” Jiang Yin said casually.

Qiao Han placed his hands on Jiang Yin’s shoulders.

Xiao Jiuci’s eyes flickered suddenly, a strange feeling passing through his heart.

It seemed that every time Qiao Han might accidentally touch him, he always made a deliberate effort to avoid it, as though he were afraid of physical contact. Yet, with others, he acted perfectly natural.

“What are you staring at? He’s already flown off,” Lu Zhui said with a chuckle.

Xiao Jiuci didn’t look at Lu Zhui and merely said, “Weren’t you leaving?”

“Are you chasing me away already?” Lu Zhui feigned a hurt expression before continuing, “On a serious note—about that fatty, are you sure it’s fine to deal with him like that?”

“It’s fine,” Xiao Jiuci replied.

The smile on Lu Zhui's lips faded significantly. “He’s from Bu Nian Palace.”

The Immortal Alliance was comprised of one palace, three sects, and six immortal clans. The "one palace" referred to Bu Nian Palace, which stood above the rest because of its Ancestor, who had reached the Tribulation Stage. They especially disdained the growth or unification of lower sects.

The spiritual ring used to bind the contracted beast, along with other artifacts the fatty possessed, contained intricate details unnoticeable to others. But both Xiao Jiuci and Lu Zhui had recognized them—he was clearly a disciple of Bu Nian Palace.

“Is that so? Did he explicitly claim that?” Xiao Jiuci asked with a faint smile.

Lu Zhui caught on immediately, squinting as he broke into a mischievous grin. “So that’s why he didn’t say anything even after you beat him so badly. He didn’t seem like someone with such backbone. Turns out you didn’t give him a chance to speak!”

Xiao Jiuci remained unruffled. “He didn’t open his mouth.”

Lu Zhui clutched his stomach and burst out laughing. “You cunning, white sesame dumpling! You didn’t go all out but still rendered all his artifacts useless. If word gets out, people will say you showed mercy. You didn’t let him introduce himself, so no one can say you were targeting Bu Nian Palace. People will say you were just maintaining your own sect’s rules, what’s wrong with that? That kid didn’t cause a scene here, and after he left, he wouldn’t dare talk about it. If he did, Bu Nian Palace would think he was embarrassing the Palace and punish him even more. Tsk tsk tsk, ‘clever and sneaky’ is the perfect way to describe you."

Seeing Xiao Jiuci still indifferent, Lu Zhui’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Oh, by the way, earlier Qiao Han was looking at you with those sparkling ‘Brother Xiao is so amazing, the best person ever’ eyes. His admiration was practically radiating beams of light. When I mentioned your underhanded tactics, he even got upset.”

A trace of discomfort flashed across Xiao Jiuci’s face as he glanced at Lu Zhui.

Just as Lu Zhui was about to tease further, Xiao Jiuci said, “Why are you still here?”

Lu Zhui: “…”

Meanwhile, after dismounting Jiang Yin’s flying sword, Qiao Han clung to a nearby tree and began vomiting, swearing he’d never ride Jiang Yin’s sword again.

Jiang Yin patted Qiao Han on the back. “Is it really that bad? My flying skills are excellent. Are you sword-sick?”

Qiao Han, feeling aggrieved, said, “I used to get motion sickness in carriages, but I didn’t expect to get sword sick too. It didn’t happen when Brother Xiao took me.”

Jiang Yin said helplessly, “The way you put it, how can our skills compare to Senior Brother’s?”

Qiao Han sighed in resignation, “Looks like I’ll have to reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible.” After the Foundation Establishment, he could control his own flying sword, and he probably wouldn’t get motion sickness anymore.

After resting for a bit, Qiao Han followed Jiang Yin to see Elder Mei.

When they arrived, Elder Mei was holding a pot of spiritual plants, gossiping animatedly.

“I'm telling you, Xiao Ziyun is definitely interested in Elder Tie Zhu from the neighboring peak. He's been sending pills like there's no tomorrow, but his technique is lacking. After taking them, Elder Tie Zhu had diarrhea for over a month, and now, whenever he sees Xiao Ziyun, he just wants to run away...”

Hearing this, Qiao Han turned to look at Jiang Yin, who, feeling a bit embarrassed, raised his hand to cover his face in embarrassment. “This is… Master’s philosophy. High-level spiritual plants can develop spiritual awareness and intelligence. Interacting with them like people supposedly helps them evolve into higher forms.”

Qiao Han was stunned. “Then, when you need to use them for medicine, wouldn’t it be hard to part with them?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the sharp-voiced Elder Mei became visibly flustered. They quickly made a gesture as if covering the spiritual plant’s ‘ears’ and exclaimed, “What are you saying? You’ll scare it!”

Then, rolling his eyes mischievously, Elder Mei leaned in and whispered to Qiao Han, “Actually, when the time comes, you just pluck one of its leaves. It won’t even realize, hehe.”

Qiao Han: “…”

Seeing the younger generation’s utterly speechless expression, Elder Mei finally put on the demeanor of an elder and said, “You came here to cultivate?”

“Not just that. Young Master Qiao has signed up for Qingyun Sect’s recruitment tournament,” Jiang Yin said, still feeling incredulous.

Elder Mei widened his eyes filled with astonishment. “What? Is the bar for becoming Dao companions that high now? Is it that if you don’t join the sect, Jiuci won’t let you into the bridal chamber?”

Jiang Yin immediately exclaimed in surprise, “Really? Senior Brother has such a rule?”

"What kind of nonsense is this?" Qiao Han quickly explained, “It’s just my own desire, nothing else.”

“Why go through such hardship? If you fail, wouldn’t it be embarrassing? I’ve heard that this time the test is not easy,” Jiang Yin remarked, having caught wind of some rumors.

Qiao Han raised an eyebrow and replied, “I don’t think participating in the test is suffering, and I’m not afraid of embarrassment.” After all, he was determined to pass, no matter what. He refused to believe that, with his knowledge of the plot, he could fail the test.

Elder Mei nodded approvingly, “Good, Little Qiao, you have ambition. Rest assured, you can cultivate here. Besides, I see… it seems you’re about to break through again.”

Qiao Han: “Huh?”

Jiang Yin also noticed and remarked, "It seems like you're reaching the peak so quickly. Young Master Qiao, you really seem to be suited for cultivating a Wood-type spiritual root."

Qiao Han was also a bit surprised. He had just reached the later stage of Qi Refining yesterday, and now he was about to break through again. He quickly contacted the system to inquire about the situation. Could this be some kind of special benefit from being transmigrated?

System: [This body itself has innate talent, but the original owner couldn’t unlock it, so it was suppressed. Now that the host has taken over and is cultivating patiently, the potential is being released and this is why the advancement is happening so quickly.]

Qiao Han hadn't expected to benefit from misfortune.

Elder Mei directly tossed a foundational strengthening elixir to Qiao Han. "Go ahead, I think you're ready today."

Overjoyed, Qiao Han quickly ran to the place where he had been cultivating earlier and meditated to enter a state of focus. This time, whether it was due to the elixir's help or the improvement that came with familiarity, Qiao Han felt a much more comfortable sensation. If he could raise his cultivation before entering the Green Lotus realm, it would naturally be even more beneficial.

However, he didn't know that during his meditation, the news that he was going to take the assessment had already spread throughout the Qingyun Sect.

By evening, the green glow around Qiao Han became denser and more concentrated, gradually forming a whirlwind that enveloped him, only to dissipate like fireflies in the end.

A wave of spiritual energy rippled out, causing the surrounding spiritual plants to grow even more lush and vibrant. Their swaying forms seemed to be dancing in the wind.

Peak of the Qi Refining stage.

When Xiao Jiuci arrived here, he saw several disciples standing at a distance, watching Qiao Han. They murmured, "So impressive."

"Such pure Wood-type spiritual energy."

"Didn't they say he had a bad temperament? But the Wood-type is the one that requires the closest connection to nature."

"It shouldn't be about his temperament. Maybe he's fundamentally good at heart."

"Then, does this mean the rumors were...?"

The group was chatting lively when they noticed Xiao Jiuci's arrival. They quickly bowed and scattered.

Xiao Jiuci watched from the side for a while, also surprised. He hadn't expected Qiao Han's cultivation speed to increase so rapidly after changing his direction. It was almost as if...

Before he could consider other possibilities, the person in front of him opened their eyes. Their amber-colored eyes were like crystal-clear glass, first filled with a sharp gaze, observing the energy of the world. Then, as if noticing something, their eyes immediately sparkled with a different light.

"Xiao-ge."

Qiao Han didn’t expect to see his idol as soon as he opened his eyes. What kind of luck was this?

He immediately jumped up and quickly ran over to Xiao Jiuci.

His actions were really like a pet after a playful romp, rushing to approach its owner upon seeing them.

Xiao Jiuci’s deep thoughts were interrupted by Qiao Han, and his lips curled into a gentle smile. "Congratulations."

Qiao Han immediately smiled back. "I didn’t expect this either. Guess I’m just lucky."

Xiao Jiuci noticed a leaf on Qiao Han’s head and raised his hand to help remove it.

It was just a casual gesture, but before his hand could reach it, Qiao Han instinctively dodged backward and reached up to touch his head. "What’s wrong?"

Xiao Jiuci’s gaze shifted for a moment. "There’s a leaf on your head."

Qiao Han removed it and laughed, "I still need to solidify my cultivation. I plan to continue practicing here, day and night, to make up for time and prepare for the assessment."

Xiao Jiuci was surprised. "Aren’t you going to rest?"

Qiao Han nodded, then suddenly realized something and asked in shock, "Why are you here? Did you come to pick me up?"

Qiao Han looked at him with disbelief, as if he had missed some huge opportunity, his expression full of confusion.

This excited reaction made Xiao Jiuci feel a bit awkward. "I was just passing by... Cultivating day and night isn’t really ideal for cultivators. We need sleep to recover our spirit. It’s just that the higher the cultivation level, the less sleep is needed."

Qiao Han suppressed his disappointment. "Then I’ll stay here. Jiang Yin suggested it before; there are still empty rooms here that I can use."

He couldn’t expect Xiao Jiuci to pick him up every time, and if he used other transportation, he would almost certainly end up nauseous and miserable. He didn’t want to endure that.

Xiao Jiuci paused at his words. Seeing him silent, Qiao Han cautiously asked, "Is it inconvenient?"

Xiao Jiuci glanced at him and suddenly leaned in close to Qiao Han’s ear.

His broad shoulders pressed down, and his tall frame cast a shadow over Qiao Han. The close proximity made Qiao Han’s pupils dilate instantly, holding his breath. He could even feel the fresh scent of the male lead wafting toward him.

W-what is happening?!

His idol was suddenly so close! His heart might just stop!

He quickly leaned back!

But the next moment, a large hand gently pressed against his slender shoulder. There was no force, yet it still froze Qiao Han in place, unable to move. He felt like half of his body had gone numb from the male lead’s touch.

Xiao Jiuci glanced sideways, catching sight of the blush creeping up Qiao Han’s delicate earlobe, and said softly, “ I remember that you told me about your sleepwalking...”

Qiao Han: Huh?

Xiao Jiuci continued calmly, “And sometimes you take off your clothes in your sleep.”

Qiao Han: Ahhh!!!

Xiao Jiuci straightened up and patted Qiao Han’s shoulder. He looked at the red-faced Qiao Han, a faint smile curling his lips. “It’s safer to go home and sleep. Let’s go.”

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