Chapter 35: He Jiang Falls into the Trap

The following morning, at He Jiang’s residence.

A female elder arrived at He Jiang’s estate. She was responsible for verifying the participant list for the sect’s grand competition, and her purpose today was to check whether there were any errors in the roster submitted by He Jiang. The grand competition was a matter of great importance to each division; every senior in the sect hoped their disciples would have the chance to participate, so a dedicated official handled the verification process to prevent any foul play.

After completing the inspection, the female elder sat with He Jiang in the reception hall, sipping tea.

“Elder He, thank you for your cooperation. I was able to complete the inspection smoothly today, and I am most grateful,” she said, bowing respectfully to He Jiang.

“Sister Liu, you are far too polite. Supporting your work is our duty; there’s no need for thanks. We’ve been fellow disciples for many years, and it’s been ages since we last caught up. Why not take this opportunity to reminisce a little?” He Jiang smiled warmly at her. “Someone, serve tea to your Elder Liu!”

A disciple standing at the door went to fetch tea.

He moved swiftly, and as he was about to enter the reception hall, Qin Long suddenly appeared.

“Brother Mao, Elder Liu is an honored guest in our house. We must not make any mistakes serving tea and water. Let me check if everything is in order,” Qin Long said, his tone serious.

“Yes, senior brother.” The disciple handed the tea to Qin Long.

Qin Long pretended to inspect the tea, and while the disciple was distracted, he discreetly dropped three transparent pills into the left tea cup. The pills dissolved instantly without a trace.

“All is well. But remember, when serving, Elder Liu is our distinguished guest—give her the cup on the right, and the one on the left is for Master,” Qin Long instructed solemnly as he handed the tray back.

“I understand, senior brother,” the disciple replied.

With that, the disciple carried the tray into the reception hall.

As he entered, a strange gleam flashed in Qin Long’s eyes, and a sinister smile curled at his lips.

“Master, the tea has arrived.” The disciple announced, then placed the right cup before Elder Liu and the left cup before He Jiang.

“Master, Elder Liu, please enjoy.” With these words, the disciple retreated.

He Jiang lifted his cup in both hands and toasted Elder Liu, saying, “Sister Liu, today I’ll use tea in place of wine to drink to you. May your elegance grow ever more radiant and your cultivation ever more profound.”

A hint of displeasure flickered in Elder Liu’s eyes, but she smiled, raised her cup, and nodded. “Thank you, senior brother.”

The tea was warm, and both drank it in one gulp.

Afterwards, He Jiang wore a nostalgic expression. “Ah, Sister Liu, in our youth, you were the most beautiful among our generation. Nearly all the brothers admired you. In fact, back then I…”

“Senior brother, there is no need to revisit the past. It’s all long ago, and it does little good to dwell on it,” Elder Liu interrupted, not wishing to discuss old times.

He Jiang chuckled, his gaze meaningful as he looked at her. “Sister Liu, you and I are still alone in this world. What do you think if we…”

“Elder He, it’s getting late. I have important matters to attend to and must take my leave,” Elder Liu replied, uninterested in He Jiang and unwilling to entertain his advances. She stood immediately to depart.

A flicker of anger crossed He Jiang’s eyes, but he concealed it and smiled. “Since you’re already here, why not stay a bit longer? It won’t cost you anything.”

“Senior brother, I truly have pressing matters. Let’s catch up another time. Goodbye,” Elder Liu said, turning to leave.

“Stop!” Suddenly, He Jiang sprang up, blocking her path.

Elder Liu frowned. “Brother He, what are you doing?”

He Jiang’s face twisted into a lecherous grin, his eyes reddening. “Heh heh, sister, what do you think I want? Of course, I want to do what I love most!” His expression was wicked, making Elder Liu’s skin crawl.

“Elder He, mind your manners!” Elder Liu’s voice was stern, nearly furious.

“Haha! Sister Liu, you’re so lovely and still alone—what a pity. Why not yield to me today?” He Jiang spoke shamelessly.

Elder Liu’s face flushed with rage. She had merely disliked He Jiang before; now her feelings had turned to disgust. She hadn’t imagined he was such a vile person.

“Elder He, you’ve gone too far. I’ll report this to the Sect Leader immediately!” She flung her sleeves and moved to leave.

“Sister Liu, don’t go. Stay and play with me, and I’ll let you taste the finest pleasures in the world!” Without another word, He Jiang lunged at her.

Sensing danger, Elder Liu employed her movement technique to escape. But her cultivation was only at the second rank of Martial Spirit, while He Jiang was at the third. Within a few steps, he blocked her path.

“Despicable! You’ve crossed the line! He Jiang, if you continue with your filthy words, I’ll show no mercy!” Elder Liu drew her sword and shouted angrily.

“Go ahead and scream, even if you tear your throat no one will save you!” He Jiang’s eyes burned red as he laughed and lunged at her once more.

Bang! Bang! Bang! The reception hall was instantly filled with the sounds of battle. Sword energy flew wildly, nearly piercing the walls.

“This is bad! Master and Elder Liu are fighting!”

“Hurry, inform the other elders!”

The disciples outside heard the commotion and shouted, but none dared intervene. Both were Martial Spirit level experts; none would risk their lives.

Seeing the chaos, Qin Long smiled coldly and slipped away.

...

“Master, the task you gave me is done. He Jiang, overcome by the drug, is trying to assault Elder Liu. She’s fighting desperately, and the two are locked in fierce battle. News must have reached the other elders and the Sect Leader by now,” Qin Long reported to Wu Tian in a secluded spot in the sect’s rear mountains.

“Haha! The Yin-Yang Fusion Pill is truly formidable. The bigger the scandal, the better! After this, He Jiang’s reputation will be ruined. Damn him for opposing me—first I’ll destroy his name, then I’ll finish him off!” Wu Tian clenched his fists tightly.

“Come! Let’s hurry and watch the spectacle. There’s sure to be a great show soon!” Wu Tian threw down his broom and headed for He Jiang’s estate. How could he miss such a lively scene?