That's What Villains Are Like

The moonlight had just passed the third eaves, and before it reached Haishi, Jiang Lan left Yuxianfang and returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion with a group of guards.

After Emperor Xia informed him of the relevant news about Hualong Pond, he left without explaining why the corresponding reward for a leader was suddenly added.

Every time the Hualong Pond is opened, a lot of heavenly materials and earthly treasures are required, and only the royal disciples with extremely talented talents are qualified to enter it.

Jiang Lan didn't think that Emperor Xia took special care of him because he was too seriously injured and his face was pale.

Most likely, she was forced by someone...for example, Jiang Rushian, who made her hold back her anger and humiliation.

This was completely beyond Jiang Lan's expectation.

However, Emperor Xia specifically informed him in advance, which clearly meant that he was being prepared to send some men to seize the leader of the Qianyuan Mansion.

It can't be said to be shady.

After all, it was not easy for her to open the Hualong Pond for him on her own. The Xiangguo Mansion and the royal family were at odds with each other. To a certain extent, her behavior was considered to be opening a small stove for him.

Spread this out so that no one will doubt or think too much.

The Southern Hunting Exercise is about to begin. The royal family has changed its previous hostile attitude towards the Prime Minister and has become ambiguous. This makes people doubt whether the two have reached some kind of ulterior secret and are planning together. What.

No matter what the reason is, throwing out the ranking of Hualong Pond and letting a group of younger generations compete for it is the best and seemingly fairest way.

"It's just that I look so sick, do I think I can compete for the leadership of Qianyuan Mansion?"

"It just brings me some trouble."

"But Li Mengning has been able to rush back to the Prime Minister's Mansion tonight, and it seems feasible for her to represent the Prime Minister's Mansion."

"With her strength, it's easy to compete for the top spot."

In the chariot, Jiang Lan leaned on the couch, thinking slightly.

He has no interest at all in matters like the Qianyuan Mansion dispute, and it is not of any benefit to him. As for becoming famous, he doesn't even care.

Who doesn't know him in Daxia today? Does he still need to become famous?

It's just that Emperor Xia came to him personally and asked him to compete for the position of Hualongchi. He had no choice but to give her face. After all, in general, this was her kindness.

If you don't give her any response, maybe the goodwill you have cultivated over this period of time will be wasted.

After returning to the Prime Minister's Mansion, Jiang Lan had just set foot in the backyard when he noticed a quiet, icy atmosphere shrouding the surroundings. It was obviously a summer night, but it seemed as if a biting winter was coming.

The moonlight is gorgeous and the bamboos are rustling.

In front of the white jade table, a tall and slender figure stood quietly.

Wearing a plain blue gauze with a slightly wide gauze long skirt, her hair is in a cloud-like bun with a hosta inserted sideways, and the mist-like veil lightly covers her fair and flawless face.

A pair of clear eyes like glass, without a trace of emotion, like an ice sculpture, with a frosty aura, keeping strangers away.

At this moment, those clear eyes were staring at the girl in black dress who was trembling nervously in front of her, with a sense of scrutiny that made her dare not move at all.

A pair of small hands as delicate as white jade tightly grasped his sleeves without daring to raise his head.

Let the waterfall-like dark blue hair cover her face, like a trembling kitten being stared at by a natural enemy.

"Meng Ning, you are back..."

Jiang Lan seemed to have just noticed this scene, with a look of surprise on his face, and then walked over.

Hearing his voice, You'er timidly raised her head. Her amber eyes were full of joy, as if she had seen a savior, but she still didn't dare to move.

She didn't know who the mysterious woman in front of her was, but she could appear in Jiang Lan's courtyard at will, so she must be someone very close to him.

Moreover, enveloped by the other party's powerful aura, she couldn't move even if she wanted to.

This mysterious woman is too powerful.

Li Mengning knew that Jiang Lan had returned, but she ignored him when she heard his voice. She still stared at You'er in front of her, making her head hang even tighter.

Jiang Lan clearly felt that Li Mengning was a little unhappy now.

When he brought You'er back to the Prime Minister's Mansion, he had already guessed that today's scene would happen.

That's why he didn't take You'er with him when he went out tonight, because he was afraid that Li Mengning would come back and feel that he "liked" You'er too much and would never leave her.

"Have you had dinner yet? I'm going to order someone to cook your favorite purple jade lotus seed porridge..."

"You've been rushing back from Taiyimen. You've been tired from traveling. You'll have to take a shower and have a good rest later."

He smiled helplessly, walked over and tried to hold her Rou Yi.

"..."

However, Li Mengning just glanced at him, and then retracted her hand to the side, not letting him hold it.

"After returning to Taiyimen, why do you still look thinner?"

Jiang Lan continued to smile and didn't care. He stretched out his hand to hold her waist, and then hugged her in his arms.

Li Mengning tried to struggle a few times, but failed to break free. Seeing Jiang Lan hugging him tightly, she followed him, but still didn't pay attention to him.

"Sure enough, you are a little thinner than before. Although cultivation is very important, you should not practice like this day and night. You still have to rest..."

"You don't feel sorry for your body, but I do..."

Jiang Lan shook his head slightly, and then as if to verify his statement, he suddenly squatted down slightly, then grabbed Li Mengning's legs and held her in his arms, as if this was the best way to verify who she was. Not much thinner than before.

Li Mengning's pair of quiet eyes suddenly opened wider, and then she subconsciously wrapped her hands around his neck.

"I'm a full six ounces thinner than I was a while ago, so I said I couldn't be wrong..." Jiang Lan said seriously, feeling the soft fragrance in his arms.

As for whether it was this number, he couldn't guarantee it...

In short, Li Mengning is angry now. The best way is to coax her away first, otherwise she won't listen to the explanation.

Even if I heard it, I wouldn't think about whether it was the reason, I would only feel more angry.

"Jiang Lan..."

"You...you put me down..."

The base of Li Mengning's ears felt slightly hot, and she finally couldn't help but speak in a low voice.

"Why didn't you listen to me? Didn't I mean that you don't have to work as hard as before? Should you give me an explanation..." Jiang Lan lowered his head and looked into her quiet eyes that seemed to be filled with mist.

"I..." Li Mengning didn't know why Jiang Lan seemed angrier than herself...

But before she could explain, she felt that the veil on her face was lifted by Jiang Lan.

"Well……"

Everything she wanted to say was blocked.

You'er on the side had kept his head down, but when he heard the movement, he couldn't help but raise his head secretly, but his eyes couldn't help but widen, and then a haze-like blush appeared on his fair face.

…

Li Mengning's mind was in a state of dizziness. When she came back to her senses, her whole body was as soft as mud and she was sitting in Jiang Lan's arms.

Jiang Lan was sitting on the stone bench in the pavilion, with a smile on her lips. One hand helped her to gently tuck the black hair hanging on her temples behind her ears.

She opened her eyes wide and felt that her face and ears were red and hot.

"You...you bullied me again..." she whispered.

Jiang Lan looked at her rosy and glossy, slightly swollen mouth, smiled and said, "I can't help it. Who told you to ignore me as soon as you come back?"

"No……"

"You made me angry." Li Mengning said.

Jiang Lan seemed helpless, then smiled and asked, "Are you still angry now?"

"angry……"

"Well……"

After a while, Li Mengning finally couldn't stand him anymore and buried her head in his arms to prevent him from succeeding.

Jiang Lan also knew that her anger had subsided, so she started to explain what happened to You'er.

From just now, You'er has been obediently and obediently hanging her head aside, as if she couldn't see or hear.

Seeing Jiang Lan talking about her affairs at this moment, she raised her head and looked at Li Mengning timidly and nervously.

Li Mengning looked at her carefully with her quiet eyes. When she heard that Jiang Lan had brought her out of the arena, she nodded gently.

It’s not that she hates You’er, she just feels that You’er’s appearance has somewhat occupied her position next to Jiang Lan…

And how could she appear in Jiang Lan's courtyard at will.

"Mistress, don't be angry with the master because of You'er..."

"You'er is very grateful to his master and understands his identity. He won't have any inappropriate thoughts. He will just practice hard to repay his kindness."

You'er was very clear about her identity. After understanding the relationship between Li Mengning and Jiang Lan, she directly called her mistress.

Hearing this title, Li Mengning was stunned for a moment, then her long eyelashes trembled, and then a seductive haze appeared on her face as white as jade.

"You'er, don't be nervous. Meng Ning didn't do it because of you."

"I just made her angry."

"You go down first. I already know about your physical condition. There will be something to arrange for you to do in the next few days. You can practice well in the past few days and don't worry about other things."

Seeing Jiang Lan say this, You'er felt as if he was being pardoned, and stepped back.

After You'er left, Li Mengning said in Jiang Lan's ear, "I can give her some guidance on her practice."

"Didn't you like her just now?"

Jiang Lan smiled. You'er's life experience and origins can easily touch the soft spots in a woman's heart.

Of course, this is not the reason why Li Mengning suddenly changed his attitude towards him...

The most important thing was the voice of mistress, which made her a little happy.

For this simple guy, a kind word from others can make her happy for a long time.

"She is still... quite lovable." Li Mengning whispered.

Jiang Lan smiled slightly and hugged her tighter.

Without the annoying guy around, Li Mengning became much more natural.

However, then she seemed to think of something. She looked at Jiang Lan and asked nervously, "Jiang Rushian, has she looked for you?"

Jiang Lan nodded and said, "I have looked for her, but the grudge between me and her has been resolved."

"I will have nothing to do with her from now on."

Li Mengning was stunned, as if he was hesitant to speak.

"Just don't take the initiative to provoke her in the future. She is very strong now. You can't beat her."

Jiang Lan pinched her fair and smooth face, fearing that this stubborn guy would secretly seek revenge on Jiang Rushian for him.

In the original plot, she was in the hands of Jiang Rushian, but she suffered a lot of injuries. Although Jiang Rushian kept his hand at every turn, the gap in strength was there and it was not something that could be easily crossed.

The more frustrated he becomes, the more courageous he becomes, and the more courageous he becomes, the more defeated he becomes... This is Li Mengning's experience in front of Jiang Ruxian.

"Jiang Lan, are you willing?"

Li Mengning's eyes lowered slightly, as if a little sadness flashed through her eyes, and she asked.

She knew very well Jiang Lan's feelings for Jiang Rushian. Jiang Lan had been chasing the dazzling her, and she had been chasing him behind Jiang Lan.

But he only had Jiang Rushian in his eyes and couldn't see his little tail...

No matter how hard he tried, there was only her in his eyes.

After so many years, can he really look away and let go?

Hearing this question, Jiang Lan seemed to think about it seriously, then looked at her and said, "Being willing and unwilling is already a thing of the past."

"Everything I'm holding in my arms right now is the most important thing in my opinion."

Li Mengning's eyelashes couldn't help but tremble slightly, and there seemed to be a dense mist surging in her quiet eyes.

Jiang Lan let her head rest on his chest, and then gently rested his chin on the top of her black hair, as if feeling the tranquility of the years at this moment.

"This time the leader of the Qianyuan Mansion battle will get a chance to enter the Hualong Pond." Then he remembered the business.

"I'll help you……"

Li Mengning raised her face and instantly knew what he meant.

…

The next day, in the broad square outside the central hall of the palace.

The black bird chariot is hung high on it, the curtain is like clouds, the dragon's energy is steaming, and the brilliance is blazing, just like a big sun hanging high, reflecting the eight wastelands.

Emperor Xia leaned on the soft couch and gave orders to his maid Chunlan.

This battle for the Qianyuan Mansion can be described as a fight between dragons and tigers. It is far more exciting than in the past, making him very happy.

Emperor Xia commended him to show his great kindness. This time, the leader of the Qianyuan Mansion will have an opportunity to enter the Hualong Pond deep in the palace.

As soon as this news came out, it quickly caused an uproar, and all the noble families, princes, nobles, and immortal sects were shocked.

The Hualong Pond in Daxia, also known as the Nirvana Pond, is almost never open to the outside world.

Even for the children of the royal family, if they want to enter, they must be talented and charming to be qualified.

Disciples of the Taoist Immortal Sect outside the world don’t even think about it.

Once upon a time, an emperor in Daxia used the Hualong Pond to cultivate a Yinglong whose bloodline had returned to his ancestors, to intimidate the Eight Desolations. There are still many essences and Taoist charms left in it.

But this year, the Emperor of Xia turned out to be the leader of the Qianyuan Mansion and opened the Hualong Pond as a special case.

This reward makes many older generation monks and living fossil figures feel frightened and jealous, wishing they could be hundreds of years younger.

Many of the younger generation in the imperial capital who had kept a low profile and had not participated in the Qianyuan Mansion battle could not sit still.

After getting the news, he immediately contacted the sect forces behind him and rushed to the entrance of Qianyuan Mansion.

The opening of Qianyuan Mansion will last for half a month. During this period, young monks can enter, even casual cultivators are eligible.

It was just an appetizer before the Southern Hunting exercise. Emperor Xia spent so much money on it, which shocked many people.

Then everyone speculated that this might be someone among the younger generation who entered the Qianyuan Mansion this time, who Emperor Xia valued and planned to cultivate, so he opened the Hualong Pond as a special case.

Suddenly, the number of young people leaving enthusiastically increased suddenly.

Even the many young people who had entered Qianyuan Mansion early and had occupied favorable areas also received the news, and then became even more eager and enthusiastic.

"Hualong Pond?"

In Qianyuan Mansion, in a complex of bluestone buildings, Xiao Teng, Ye Ming and others also learned the news, and were full of shock and surprise.

"Don't worry, Third Young Master, we will definitely help you win the position of leader this time."

"It depends on who dares to stop it."

All of Xiao Teng's young disciples and followers then expressed their assurances.

Even many disciples from Yijian Palace also agreed and were willing to help Xiao Teng.

This made Xiao Teng's smile thicker and his confidence even stronger.

He even vaguely felt that the Dragon Transformation Pond was a small stove intentionally opened by Emperor Xia for him to help him transform and increase his strength.

Among the young geniuses who entered the Qianyuan Mansion, no one had a relationship as close as he and Emperor Xia.

His father, King Zhenbei, could be said to be a loyal minister of the Xia Emperor. His master was the national master Ge Qixing, and he openly supported the royal family.

However, Ye Ming, who was next to Xiao Teng, looked a little unhappy after learning the news, and did not join in with others.

"If another opportunity comes, Xiao Teng may still give it to me, but he will definitely not give it to me the opportunity to enter the Hualong Pond..."

Ye Ming naturally understands the preciousness of the Hualong Pond. Not to mention that it makes people rebellious, but it is definitely more than enough to transform the bones.

In the secret realm of Zhenjun Zixia, he failed to obtain the Immortal Creation Dew, which has always been a regret in his heart.

And this Xia Huang intends to open the Hualong Pond. Isn't this giving him a second chance?

It's a pity that there is only one qualified person for Hualongchi. Will Xiao Teng give it to him?

"You don't have to be discouraged in a hurry. Everyone competes for the leadership qualification according to their own means. The good fortune gained in Qianyuan Mansion is visible to the outside world. There will be no possibility of malpractice for personal gain."

"Although Xiao Teng has disciples and followers to help you, you have gained a lot of blessings so far. If you can draw out the chaotic spiritual energy from the depths of Qianyuan Mansion, you can crush the rest in one fell swoop..." The old ghost's voice sounded. Ye Ming's heart rang.

This made him nod secretly.

"Not to mention, once this news comes out, the number of younger generations coming to compete will definitely increase. Whether Xiao Teng can win the top spot is still unknown..." The old ghost chuckled.

Ye Ming's eyes flickered and he muttered silently in his heart, I'm sorry Brother Xiao.

In other areas of the Qianyuan Mansion, similar scenes were taking place.

Xia Jie, the third son of Prince Wu Xuan, was leading a group of followers to explore the ruins in front of him. Hearing this, he smiled coldly and said, "I will decide on the position of leader. This is not about comparing one's strength, but It depends on who has the most followers and who has the most followers.”

In the other direction, Chong'an County Prince's eldest son Chong Xiuyuan was wearing a purple embroidered satin robe. He was elegant and dignified. He also led his men to explore the Qianyuan Mansion and pick some rare elixirs.

After he learned the news, he just smiled lightly and seemed not to care.

The Prince of Chong'an County is the uncle of the current Xia Emperor. His lineage is actually similar to that of the royal family.

To the east of the imperial capital, there is the outer city.

In a quiet courtyard full of ancient charm, with red walls and green tiles, gurgling water, rockery pavilions, lush vegetation and winding paths.

"Miss Ruxian, drink tea."

Ms. Liu walked out with the teapot and filled the tea cup in front of the girl in white in the courtyard.

The girl has an ordinary figure and face, wearing a plain white dress and a simple bun.

Among the crowd, no one would take a second look, but if you stare at her face carefully, you will find that you can't remember her appearance at all.

"You are my adoptive mother now, you don't have to be like this." Jiang Rushian shook his head.

Mrs. Liu smiled slightly and said, "This is just a name for the outside world. In front of me, you are still Miss Ruxian."

When Jiang Ruxian heard this, he said no more.

She just glanced outside the courtyard, then seemed to be thinking about something, and said, "I'm going out to do something."

Mrs. Liu was sensible and didn't ask any more questions. Jiang Rushian came here in the past two days, but she changed her identity and said she was her adopted daughter who once lived in Guangyuan City.

As for this identity, will it arouse suspicion and will anyone pay attention to it?

Jiang Ruxian, on the other hand, had a completely indifferent attitude and ignored it. It seemed that he was simply looking for an identity to stay in the imperial capital.

As for whether she would be noticed by the Prime Minister's Mansion...she didn't seem to care.

Outside the palace, at the entrance of Qianyuan Mansion, there are already people standing there, and the scene is unprecedented.

As the ripple-like fluctuations spread, a mist blew past, and the younger generation who were old enough to meet the requirements quickly stepped into it and disappeared.

At the entrance of Qianyuan Mansion, there is a magic weapon that reflects the root bone. Monks who do not meet the requirements are not allowed to enter.

In the royal family's territory and under their noses, naturally no one dares to mess around and fish in troubled waters.

The mist is heavy, like a primitive land, and the mountains in the distance are majestic, majestic, and exude an ancient atmosphere.

After many young people stepped in, they immediately felt the difference in the aura of heaven and earth in the air.

If you practice in Qianyuan Mansion, you will get twice the result with half the effort.

The younger generation, who were worried about the danger and did not go in immediately, all regretted it.

In just half a day, thousands of young people came enthusiastically.

Above the palace, among the black chariots, Emperor Xia paid attention to the situation in the Qianyuan Mansion.

Suddenly her eyes fell on one of the girls with an ordinary face and a plain white dress. She didn't know if it was her imagination, but she felt that the girl in white seemed to be looking at her.

Can she see herself in Qianyuan Mansion?

This similar situation happened just a few days ago.

Emperor Xia, who had been sitting a little lazily, suddenly sat up straight, his face uncertain for a while.

"Could it be that guy? Has she entered the Qianyuan Mansion?"

"With her cultivation strength, what kind of opportunities are there that she cares about?"

Xia Huangsu clenched the soft couch tightly with her hands, feeling a little confused.

She didn't think Jiang Rushian was planning to break the rules. Could it be because of Jiang Lan? Clear the way for him in advance?

"What are you doing to interfere with the Dragon Transformation Pond I prepared for Jiang Lan?"

"Could it be that you want Jiang Lan to know that you fought for this opportunity for him? And it was you who helped clear the obstacles for him?"

"Without you, he wouldn't be able to win the title?"

Emperor Xia frowned, feeling unspeakable unhappiness in his heart.

It was obvious that she had opened the Dragon Transformation Pond specifically for Jiang Lan, but Jiang Rushian's actions made her suddenly feel that this matter had nothing to do with her.

When Jiang Lan found out afterwards, he still felt grateful to Jiang Rushian, but instead ignored who opened the Hualong Pond specifically for him?

"Haha, you want to steal the credit? You're quite scheming."

"It's just that I'm not as boring as you. I waste my time on these things for the sake of a man."

Emperor Xia smiled disdainfully in his heart and suppressed his unhappy mood.

If she wants to win people's hearts, she doesn't need this method.

And just when Emperor Xia was paying attention to Jiang Rushian's movements in Qianyuan Mansion, there was a commotion and discussion outside Qianyuan Mansion.

She looked over and suddenly understood.

At the entrance of Qianyuan Mansion, many young people consciously made way for them.

A noble and noble young man, as rich as jade, walked up surrounded by a group of guarding knights, followed by many young geniuses, none other than Jiang Lan.

His expression was calm and casual, and his complexion was still not much different from last night, as if he had just recovered from a serious illness.

"I thought you wouldn't come." Emperor Xia narrowed his eyes.

Many princes, nobles, and high-level officials of aristocratic families were also extremely surprised. They did not expect Jiang Lan to appear here.

Many people thought that the Xiangguo Mansion didn't care at all about the dispute between the Qianyuan Mansion.

But the opening of Hualong Pond is still very tempting...

All the elders of the Immortal Sect also looked over, with different eyes and thoughts.

"Is the veiled woman next to him the quasi-saint from Taiyi Sect?"

"I heard a few days ago that she was in the Taiyi Sect, and one person suppressed all the other true disciples. I don't know if it is true or not, but she appeared in the imperial capital so quickly."

"If she comes forward, the situation will be really difficult to judge."

However, the eyes of many elders fell on the mysterious woman next to Jiang Lan. When they recognized her identity, they were full of surprise and shock.

Many people who were originally looking casual became serious.

If this person also participates in it, it may not be so easy to win the first place in the battle for Qianyuan Mansion.

Emperor Xia's eyes also swept over Li Mengning. After noticing that her veil was some kind of secret treasure, he did not forcefully explore her true appearance.

"With the quasi-saintess of the Taiyi Sect helping him, without his sister, the position of leader is still guaranteed."

"Not to mention that he himself is actually quite hidden. Although his level is not high, his true strength is not weak."

Emperor Xia thought to himself.

The news that Jiang Lan, the son of Xiangguo Mansion, was involved in the dispute between Qianyuan Mansion, soon spread like a hurricane in the alleys, inns and restaurants of the imperial capital, causing a great sensation.

Many monks who liked to join in the fun also rushed over. They were very curious about Jiang Lan's current strength and full of expectations for what would happen next in Qianyuan Mansion.

The younger generation who entered Qianyuan Mansion early also learned the news one after another, and their expressions changed drastically.

Some of the young men who were confident before had extremely ugly expressions, as if they had eaten dead rats.

In the central square, the monks who noticed this scene through the round mirror couldn't help but smile knowingly and gloatingly, as if they didn't think it was a big deal.

"I originally thought that this time the battle for the Qianyuan Mansion would be less interesting, but the sudden addition of the Prime Minister's Mansion may make the original young geniuses feel anxious and uneasy..."

"Hey, don't you see how ugly the faces of several young men from aristocratic families are? They probably didn't expect that a crocodile would suddenly appear in this fish pond."

"But I can't say for sure. After all, the Qianyuan Mansion has been open for so many days. To compete for the leader, you still have to look at your own opportunities and luck. The number of subordinates is not necessarily important."

"The person who said this probably doesn't know this person, right?"

"After this person enters, he will definitely go to crowded areas. Guess why the faces of those young masters from aristocratic families are so ugly?"

"..."

The Qianyuan Mansion was vast and empty. When Jiang Lan led a group of followers in, he was stepping on an unknown piece of rubble.

Not far away is a broken palace building, and even further away, there are some broken mountains. The sky is not clear, but instead it is covered with gray mist, as if it is shrouded in mist.

"Sir, we have sent a message to the senior brothers who entered Qianyuan Mansion before. They will gather here soon."

Next to Jiang Lan, a young genius spoke, took out the jade talisman of communication, and began to contact the rest of the people.