That's What Villains Are Like

This banquet can be described as a feast for the guests and the host.

After Shang Mingyu learned about Jiang Lan's purpose, he also dispelled many of his previous concerns.

However, due to her caution, she still kept a cautious eye and did not completely believe Jiang Lan's words.

She could also tell that Jiang Lan probably knew her special characteristics, so he invited her here.

The two of them are in harmony with each other.

He will not care about Shang Mingyu's affairs, and Shang Mingyu should not delve into his secrets.

Shang Mingyu only focused on the restoration of the country, so she would not cause trouble for herself for no reason, so she agreed readily.

There is no conflict of interest, so why make it unpleasant?

After such contact, she discovered that Jiang Lan should be a person who puts interests first like herself.

Although Jiang Lan has used his status as a playboy to hide his clumsiness and keep a low profile in recent years, he is definitely very ambitious and has great plans.

At least for now, there will be no entanglement of interests between the two.

"Although I am interested in that strange stone, I am not very interested. If Miss Hong is really determined to get it, I can actually help you." Jiang Lan said.

Shang Mingyu looked at him with her beautiful eyes, then smiled sweetly and said, "Young Master Jiang is so kind, and the little girl is actually a little flattered."

"I think it's just a strange stone. In comparison, I would rather have Miss Hong as my friend." Jiang Lan said bluntly.

"Young Master Jiang said so. As your friend, it seems that the little girl is settled." Shang Mingyu said with a smile.

"The guy who auctioned off the strange stones must not be an ordinary disciple of Yijian Palace. I met him yesterday on the streets of the Imperial Capital, but for some reason, that guy seemed to hate me..."

Jiang Lan shook his head slightly and said, "If nothing unexpected happens, maybe the guy next will take the initiative to find Miss Hong."

Shang Mingyu was stunned, he didn't expect such a thing to happen.

However, she soon understood what Jiang Lan meant. Did the disciple of the Yi Sword Palace who auctioned off the strange stones have a grudge against Jiang Lan?

She wisely didn't ask too much.

After the banquet was over, Shang Mingyu said goodbye and left.

However, both of them also left communication jade charms for each other, hoping that they might really be able to cooperate if there is an opportunity in the future.

"For now, there is really not much conflict of interest between me and her. In a certain way, she can even be my sword, a chess piece, or, to put it nicely, an ally."

Jiang Lan wanted to plot the fortune of the Xia Emperor and the national destiny of the entire Daxia Dynasty, while Shang Mingyu wanted to overthrow the rule of Daxia and restore the Shang Dynasty.

Both of them have a common enemy, that is Emperor Xia.

Before that, the two could naturally be called allies.

"You must be hungry, right?"

Jiang Lan returned his gaze and glanced at You'er, who was waiting obediently beside him.

"Prepare a new table of dishes."

He ordered someone to come and clear the table. Although neither he nor Shang Mingyu touched the dishes and only drank some wine, after talking for so long, the dishes were already cold.

"It's... still edible..."

You'er looked at the delicacies on the table. They were all foods she had never touched before.

Not only is the style exquisite, but it is also filled with a mouth-watering fragrance.

"It's already cold."

Jiang Lan stretched out his hand to indicate that she did not need to continue standing.

Hearing this, a trace of confusion appeared in You'er's amber eyes. Could it be that...can't you eat it if it's cold?

"Follow me from now on. You don't have to eat cold food anymore. These are just the leftovers." Jiang Lan knew why she was confused. It would be good to have something to eat in the arena. Where can I get hot food? Or cold.

"Master...Master, I'm so kind to You'er..."

"And... no... I don't dislike You'er." You'er lowered her eyes and twirled her fingers.

"Just know that I'm good to you."

"In this world now, I'm probably the only one who would treat you like this."

Jiang Lan reached out and rubbed her hair, which was as shiny as black silk.

You'er's delicate nose made a soft humming sound.

Soon, the food and drinks in the private room were replaced by another table, and they were even richer than before.

You'er has never seen so much food, and she can hardly move her eyes away as she stares at these dishes.

But because Jiang Lan was by his side, he still ate delicately, tasting it in small bites. When he ate delicious food, star-like light appeared in his amber eyes, which was very bright.

Jiang Lan looked at her like this, and she really looked like a greedy little cat that hadn't eaten meat for a long time.

He shook his head slightly in his mind. If it weren't for You'er being able to be used by him and bring him benefits and luck, he might not have been touched at all watching her die in the arena.

After all, like Shang Mingyu, he is a person who puts interests first.

It was already afternoon when we left Yun Lantai and returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion.

Jiang Lan ordered someone to get a box of Xueyu Muscle Cream, which is a scar-removing elixir developed by the Imperial Medical Office. It is priceless and can make all scars on the body look like new.

In addition, he also asked for a bottle of three-turn marrow cleansing pill. Using the two together can basically restore You'er's skin to its normal appearance.

His father didn't ask much about You'er, and with his knowledge, he didn't necessarily understand You'er's special nature.

Jiang Lan had no intention of explaining.

Li Mengning followed his mother Li Qingshu and returned to Taiyi Sect yesterday, because the younger generation of the Li family needs Li Mengning to come forward to calm things down.

At present, among the Taiyi Sect's peers, Li Mengning is undoubtedly the strongest, and can be regarded as a gap-like existence.

However, the geniuses of the other two families of the Taiyi Sect have received many opportunities recently, and their strength has grown by leaps and bounds.

Some time ago, Li Daoyi almost lost at the hands of a true disciple of the Ji family who was not as good as him, which brought disgrace to the Li family.

Generally speaking, if a true disciple of the Taiyi Sect cannot easily suppress and defeat him when his level of cultivation is higher than that of his opponent, that is a problem in itself, not to mention that he is almost defeated. This is not surprising. His mother would be embarrassed.

If the two people are in the same realm and have the same cultivation level, wouldn't Li Daoyi lose directly?

The younger generation of the major immortal sects often compete with those in the same realm. For them, it is not difficult to improve their cultivation strength. Unless they are really far ahead and cannot catch up, otherwise they will pay more attention to those in the same realm. of combat power.

Jiang Lan is not very interested in paying attention to these. After all, his current real strength is already much stronger than those of the younger generation.

In the palace, mist drifted, and the incense burner was accompanied by bursts of incense.

Jiang Lan called a few maids, and after getting the Xue Yusheng Muscle Ointment and the Three Turns Marrow Cleansing Pill, he asked them to take You'er directly down and apply the plaster on her.

Although You'er has become accustomed to her scarred face, after knowing that these plasters can remove her scars, she can't help but feel a little hopeful.

After all, no woman can refuse a flawless skin and face.

Especially since she will always be by Jiang Lan's side.

After You'er was taken away, Jiang Lan thought for a while, then left the Prime Minister's Mansion and headed to Yuxianfang. He had something to do with Song Youwei.

…

At the same time, in an inn.

Ye Ming, who had fooled a group of Yijian Palace disciples and solved some minor troubles, used the secret treasure to cover all the atmosphere in the wing, and then explored the strange stone with the old ghost.

Although this was something he had to hand over, he still wanted to understand it before doing so.

However, based on his knowledge, he was unable to determine what was in it, and it was difficult to detect it clearly using secret techniques or divine souls.

The old ghost also looked at it for a long time before telling him that the source of Tao was sealed in it, but what exactly it contained needed to be cut open to know.

Even he couldn't make a simple judgment, but the only thing he could be sure of was that the things sealed in the source were absolutely extraordinary.

The faint fairy glow carries a pure and noble atmosphere, and a vague and long-lasting ancient sacrificial sound can be heard faintly.

He suspected that this had something to do with the ancient emperor.

After hearing this, Ye Ming became more and more unwilling, and at the same time began to hesitate a little whether to hand it over or not.

At present, many people in the Imperial City are watching him, and he has already caused a huge disturbance at the auction meeting.

Even the elders of the Yijian Palace stared closely at him and asked him about this strange stone, wanting to borrow it for a look. At the same time, they also wanted to ask about the origin and whereabouts of the longevity fluid on his body.

Ye Ming naturally didn't know how to beat a dog with a meat bun, so he could only prevaricate and fool around, saying that all of it had been used to auction this strange stone.

But despite this, he still couldn't stop those coveting eyes.

The only thing that reassured him was that this was the imperial capital, at the feet of the emperor, and even the top immortal sects from all over the world did not dare to mess around.

"You can't guard this strange stone unless you cut it right here, but the noise caused by it may even be noticed by the royal family..."

"You have to know that this may have something to do with the ancient emperor. If even the royal family covets you, things will be even more troublesome."

The old ghost sighed, and understood that Ye Ming had taken a hot potato. If he really planned to take over, he would have to be prepared for countless troubles in the future.

"well……"

"I knew that I couldn't keep it, but I didn't plan to ask for it in the first place. I just took this opportunity to meet that mysterious woman."

Ye Ming was also quite helpless, but he quickly accepted his fate.

He didn't intend to take this strange stone with him, so he concealed his figure and aura, quietly left the inn, found an abandoned house with no one around, and put some restrictions in place.

Then he searched for several remote places and followed the same method, and finally hid the strange stone in a place where he thought no one could find it.

After all, he was going to see the mysterious woman. If the other party ignored the rules and attacked him directly, killing people and taking treasures, he would have a way to deal with it, so he couldn't bring the strange stone with him.

According to the information he learned from the auction conference, Ye Ming went straight to Yaxianju where the mysterious woman lived temporarily.

In the quiet bamboo forest garden, Shang Mingyu, dressed as a scholar, was sitting by the window of the courtyard. He was taking advantage of his jade-white chin to think about how to seize the strange stone that contained the spirit of the emperor.

The maid outside suddenly reported.

"Miss, the disciple of Yijian Palace named Zhang Yuan outside is here to visit."

Shang Mingyu narrowed his eyes and was a little surprised, but he quickly recovered and stood up and said, "Let him wait for me in the reception hall."

Ye Ming came to the door in person, which could be said to be completely beyond her expectations.

But it did verify Jiang Lan’s statement and speculation...

Logically speaking, the other party auctioned off the strange stone. Knowing that she intended to fight for it, shouldn't he hide it well? Why did you come to your door yourself?

Combined with Jiang Lan's words.

Shang Mingyu couldn't help but guess that "Zhang Yuan" might have other desires. This might be the real purpose of the strange stone he auctioned off.

In the reception hall, Ye Ming looked calm and calm. The maid beside him made tea for him, informed him that the lady was on her way over, and then respectfully left.

"Old ghost, did you find anything?" he asked in his heart.

"What can I find? How can I determine its origin before seeing the person in person?" the old ghost asked angrily.

Ye Ming also knows this truth and doesn't ask any more questions.

And soon, outside the reception hall, a figure wearing a large robe walked towards him. Although he was dressed like a scholar, he could not hide his charming look.

"I'm Zhang Yuan, I've met the girl."

Ye Ming just looked at it, then withdrew his gaze, stood up and cupped his hands.

Shang Mingyu waved his hand and said, "Young Master Zhang Yuan, you are welcome. I wonder why you came to look for me?"

She got straight to the point and didn't want to waste any more words. Although Ye Ming was a bit mysterious, he was not Jiang Lan after all, so it didn't deserve her too much attention.

Ye Ming saw Shang Mingyu's casualness and didn't care. He said bluntly, "I came here to make a deal with the girl. The strange stone you want is now in my hands. You must know it." .”

Shang Mingyu sat down beside him dignifiedly and elegantly. Hearing this, he raised his chin and nodded slightly, signaling Ye Ming to continue.

Ye Ming glanced at the maids in the reception hall.

Shang Mingyu understood what he meant and waved his hand for everyone to leave.

"I intend to give that strange stone to the girl..." Ye Ming said.

"Um?"

Shang Mingyu was stunned at first, and then almost wondered if he heard wrongly.

This guy spent the life-extending artifact to photograph the strange stone, and intentionally gave it to him?

However, she quickly calmed down and said with a faint smile, "Oh? Why is that?"

There is no free pie in the world, and there is no free lunch. This "Zhang Yuan" is so generous, so he must have other intentions.

"With my current status and strength, I am destined to be unable to keep that strange stone, so I thought it would be better to give it to the girl directly in exchange for a favor." Ye Ming said calmly.

Shang Mingyu looked at him with interest, as if he wanted to confirm whether what he said was true or false.

"This favor from Mr. Zhang Yuan is quite big, but I'm afraid I won't be able to repay it." She smiled and said without directly agreeing.

Although she was indeed determined to get that strange stone, how could she jump into such an obvious pit?

Just as the "Zhang Yuan" in front of him said, his strength is not enough to keep the strange stone. Even if he auctions it, it is destined to be a hot potato.

"I would like to know, Master Zhang Yuan, why don't you just give that strange stone to the Master in the Prime Minister's Mansion? His favor must be more useful than mine."

"If you please him, aren't you walking sideways in this imperial capital?" Shang Mingyu asked.

Ye Ming seemed to have expected that she would say this, and said calmly, "The reason why I took the photo of that strange stone is because I don't want Jiang Lan, the son of the Prime Minister's Mansion, to get it. I am not interested in that strange stone."

Hearing this, Shang Mingyu narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling that this matter was even more interesting.

The somewhat mysterious "Zhang Yuan" at the moment does have a grudge against Jiang Lan.

Is he trying to win over himself to deal with Jiang Lan?

In just a moment, Shang Mingyu guessed Ye Ming's true purpose. He saw that he and Jiang Lan were competing against each other at the auction meeting.

Jiang Lan threatened him in public and formed a quarrel with him. But for some reason, he had a grudge against Jiang Lan, so he wanted to win over him and sell him a favor?

Shang Mingyu chuckled in his heart, feeling a little funny. Could it be that "Zhang Yuan" felt that he couldn't tell what was light and what was serious?

At the same time, she felt even more awe-inspiring. Jiang Lan had already expected this.

"I see."

However, she still had a surprised look on her face, nodded, and asked, "Master Zhang Yuan, you want to win me over to deal with the Prime Minister's son together, right?"

Ye Ming nodded and said, "The girl is a smart person and should know what is in that strange stone. Now I can completely hand it over to the Daxia royal family and seek the protection of the royal family with an official position, but I think, You probably don’t want me to do this…”

Shang Mingyu's expression changed slightly. After hearing these words, she finally put away her contempt for Ye Ming.

He took the initiative to mention the Daxia royal family, which was definitely intentional.

"Master Zhang Yuan knows what is in that strange stone?" she asked.

Ye Ming said bluntly, "I don't know what it is, but I think the Daxia royal family would care about something related to the ancient emperor."

Shang Mingyu's eyes suddenly narrowed, and a dangerous aura filled the air.

Ye Ming's back was slightly cold, but he still forced himself to calm down.

He didn't expect that Shang Mingyu looked young, but his strength was already at the level of the Seventh Realm.

Her true age is definitely more than what meets the eye.

"What do you mean, girl? Do you want to kill me and silence me? But in this case, you may not get that strange stone."

"If there is any commotion, you probably don't want your identity to be noticed by the Daxia royal family." Ye Ming said still calmly.

Before coming here, Ye Ming was fully prepared and judged Shang Mingyu's identity based on the speculation given by the old ghost.

But after thinking about it, she cared so much about that strange stone and was determined to get it. She probably knew what was in it.

Is it related to the ancient emperor?

So the origin of her identity definitely doesn't want to be noticed by the Daxia royal family.

Shang Mingyu said with a slightly calm expression, "How are you going to hand over that strange stone to me?"

"No matter how much you spend on life-extending divine items, I can compensate you with the same items afterwards."

When Ye Ming tried to threaten her just now, she already had murderous intentions in her heart.

This person cannot stay because he may have noticed her origin.

However, Ye Ming probably never expected that not long ago, she met Jiang Lan, and the two even had a pleasant conversation, and there was no so-called hostile relationship.

If she wanted to, she could change hands and sell Ye Ming...

"It's quite simple. The girl swore with her Taoist heart that she would give me the news of taking away the strange stone in exchange for making it public. She can't betray me," Ye Ming said.

He needs Shang Mingyu to attract attention for him. In addition, if the strange stone is in her hands, she will offend Jiang Lan whether she wants it or not, unless she is willing to hand over the strange stone.

In this way, even if Shang Mingyu was unwilling in every way, he had to become his ally and deal with Jiang Lan together.

Hearing this, Shang Mingyu's expression seemed to change, and then he sneered and said, "Young Master Zhang Yuan is very scheming, forcing me to help you deal with the Young Master of the Prime Minister's Office."

Ye Ming slightly cupped his hands and said apologetically, "I have no choice but to get that strange stone. If I don't stop you at the auction, you will offend Jiang Lan to death. Now I risk such a big risk." Risk, help you auction off the strange stones, and give you an additional ally."

"No matter how you calculate it, it's not a loss, and in the end the strange stone is back in your hands."

With such a terrifying enemy like Jiang Lan, lurking in the dark and peeking at him at any time, he really couldn't sleep or eat well.

Otherwise, Ye Ming would not choose to take such a big risk to recruit allies for himself.

With the power in front of him, it was almost impossible to get rid of Jiang Lan. Only by accumulating strength, gathering allies, and waiting for the situation would he have a chance.

As long as Jiang Lan is not eliminated, his heart will become uneasy.

Listen to these words.

Shang Mingyu also seemed to be stuck in long-term thoughts and considerations, calculating gains and losses.

Ye Ming did not rush and waited quietly for her answer.

"Okay, I agree to your request, but if you dare to fool me, no matter what the price, I will cut you into pieces."

After a long while, Shang Mingyu seemed to come back from the calculation and gave a response.

Hearing this, Ye Ming finally smiled and reassured Shang Mingyu that he kept his word. At noon the next day, Shang Mingyu would come to the inn to look for him, and he would definitely present the strange stone to him.

Later, he didn't stay for a long time and chose to leave.

Now Shang Mingyu is on the same boat with him. After Jiang Lan learns about the strange stone in her hands, Jiang Lan will definitely not let her go.

Youdao Xin vowed to restrain Zai, and he was not afraid that Shang Mingyu would sell him after he obtained the strange stone.

Shang Mingyu didn't say much, just sat there and quietly watched Ye Ming leave.

Finally, a smile that seemed both mocking and meaningful appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Threatening me like this, Zhang Yuan's identity must be fake. Not only that, but he can also guess what is in that strange stone..."

"With such ability, how did you become enemies with Jiang Lan?"

"Jiang Lan is really scary. He has predicted and planned all of this. This guy probably won't even know how he will die..."

She held her fragrant cheeks and was considering whether to sell Ye Ming, but she hadn't gotten the strange stone yet.

Since Jiang Lan knew that Ye Ming would take the initiative to come to her, she must also know that the strange stone would appear in her hands next.

"It seems that he really intends to give me the strange stone, not just talking about it..."

"It's just that in this way, I still owe him a favor."

…

Yuxianfang is located in the Linshui Pavilion near the river.

Song Youwei arrived as promised, wearing white stockings and wooden clogs, a cloud-topped bun and a misty servant girl. Her slender snow neck resisted the frost and collected the cold, carrying a delicate fragrance, making her look dignified and beautiful.

The two sat across from each other, with tea sets placed in front of them and an incense burner burning beside them. The curtains on both sides dropped gently, blocking the eyes from the river bank.

Jiang Lan drank tea while listening to her tell her what the Blood Immortal Sect had been planning in the past few days.

He did not expect that the barbarians would change their original plans.

In the original plot, the barbarians planned to take advantage of the Nanshou exercise to rescue a high-ranking barbarian who was imprisoned in Jiantiansi.

The high-ranking barbarian was once the son of the leader of a large barbarian tribe. He was born with the blessing of the barbarian god and was extremely powerful and tyrannical.

Many years ago, when he fought against the Daxia army at the border of Southern Barren State, he was defeated by the Daxia female military god Xia Jin and was captured and imprisoned in Jiantiansi.

"Barbarian God Pill, has this thing been released in advance?"

This is why Jiang Lan was slightly surprised.

The Barbarian God Pill is a mysterious pill that was condensed by many spiritual objects and barbarian patterns when the barbarian high-level officials in the original plot sacrificed to the Barbarian God. After swallowing it, it can explode with power many times greater than before.

For the high-ranking barbarians, this elixir also has a more important role, which is to sacrifice and communicate with the barbarian gods, allowing the barbarian tribesman who swallows the elixir to briefly receive the gift of the barbarian gods, and even summon the The shadow of the barbarian god.

"The barbarian gods who appear through sacrifices and beliefs are just phantoms, and they are definitely not something ordinary monks can deal with..."

"This Nanshou exercise should be lively."

However, Jiang Lan was still more concerned about the plans of the Blood Immortal Cult than the plans of the barbarians.

"Do you have the turbid blood prepared by the Blood Immortal Sect?" Jiang Lan looked at Song Youwei and asked.

Song Youwei shook her head and said, "No, that thing is only in the hands of the elders."

"But I can go and ask for some. With my status, the elders will definitely give it to me."

Jiang Lan nodded slightly and said, "Then bring half a bottle over then."

"Half a bottle?"

Song Youwei's shiny little mouth opened slightly. The turbid blood prepared by the Blood Immortal Cult was only one bottle in total.

If the Daxia national weapon Zhenlong Seal cannot be stolen, then the turbid blood will be used to corrode and pollute it.

Although she is the future saint of the Blood Fairy Sect, she can't get half a bottle.

Noticing Song Youwei's slightly resentful look, Jiang Lan also knew that this might be a bit difficult for her.

But if there was half a bottle, then he might be able to take this opportunity to make a subtle change and replace the turbid blood with his own condensed blood essence.

In this way, he might be able to secretly refine and control the national weapons.

"Half a bottle is indeed too much. Just try your best and take out as much as you can, and I will return it when the time comes." Jiang Lan thought for a moment and then said in a different way.

"..."

Song Youwei vaguely guessed his purpose, held the teacup in both hands, and took a sip gently.

The Blood Immortal Cult's plan this time is extremely meticulous.

But she actually doesn't want the Blood Immortal Cult's conspiracy to succeed.

If Daxia's national weapons are destroyed, the fate cannot be suppressed, and the country cannot be defended, chaos will be everywhere, and countless people will be displaced.

Although Emperor Xia is now in decline, he can still be said to be conscientious and diligent in governing, serving the country and the people. Unfortunately, in the court, the thieves are quite honest, and the power has been neglected...

Thinking of this, she glanced at Jiang Lan and said that it was too much to call him a thief. After all, he was Jiang Lan's father.

But she has been working for Jiang Lan for a while, but she still can't figure out Jiang Lan's thoughts and purposes.

What does he want to do?

"How are things going with the Qi family in Yangchun City?" Jiang Lan suddenly asked.

Song Youwei came back from her thoughts and replied, "The Qi family has sent people there intentionally according to your instructions..."

"Come with me to Yangchun City tomorrow." Jiang Lan nodded.

Mrs. Qi from the Qi family in Yangchun City believes in Taoism.

On the fifteenth day of every month, young descendants of the Qi family who are highly regarded will go to Jiyun Temple in Jiyun Mountain to offer incense.

Qi Qingxuan was extremely accomplished in literature because he had read poetry and books since he was a child.

The master of Jiyunguan at that time was also a person who liked to read scriptures. It was for this reason that Mrs. Qi would often bring Qi Qingxuan with her.

Wei Gong, the former eunuch chief of Daxia, has always been by Qi Qingxuan's side to protect his safety.

It would not be easy for Jiang Lan to take action against him, so he had such an opportunity right now.

When Qi Qingxuan went to Ji Yunguan, he planned to ask Song Youwei to arrange for people from the Blood Immortal Sect to lure Duke Wei away in advance.