Pulling Together a Villain Reformation Strategy

Chapter 90 – Burning Incense

Although she had a lot of magical artifacts in her possession, the opponents came prepared, and their numbers were large. Soon, Wanderer Zihui’s spiritual power could not longer sustain the magical artifacts. After her arm was hit again, she hurriedly shouted, “Wait!”

Cao Lei’s hands hovered in the air, still in an attack posture, as he smiled slightly. “Are you regretting?”

Wanderer Zihui clenched her teeth and forced out, “If I give you the Marrow-Washing Jade, would you really let us go?”

Cao Lei swept his gaze over her from head to toe before finally pausing on Zihui’s chest. “What do you think?”

Wanderer Zihui took a short breath, speechless for a moment. Cao Lei continued, “Tianxuan is not the only sect concerned about the Western Hidden Spirit sect. Even if I let you go, how far can you go with your group of defeated soldiers?”

Wanderer Zihui’s expression morphed a few times. After considering for a long time, she finally reluctantly smiled. “What Sect Master Cao said is correct. I didn’t think it through just now, and I have to ask Sect Master Cao to take care of us in the future.”

Cao Lei laughed heartily. Wanderer Zihui’s appearance truly was beautiful, and what made him the most proud of was her identity: the Hidden Spirit Sect had sat high above everyone for so many years. Who would have thought that one day, even Immortal Master Timing’s junior sister would bend under him?

This feeling was really wonderful. Cao Lei hooked his finger to Zihui and said arrogantly, “Come here.”

Zihui looked at his smug face and her heart filled with hatred, and yet she could only bow her head and walk forwards obediently so Cao Lei could reached out and grab her into his embrace.

This scene happened to be witnessed by Jiang Xunyi and Jiang Molou who were rushing over from a distance.

The two of them had strong spiritual powers and were also standing on the high ground, so they could see everything clearly without alerting Cao Lei and others. Jiang Molou had always been hot-tempered, and at this point, he was so angry that he straightened up and was about to dismount. However, Jiang Xunyi’s arm suddenly shot out to block his chest. “Fifteen miles behind him, what is the sound?”

Jiang Molou paused, concentrating for a moment before he whispered, “There are others…many.”

Jiang Xunyi looked into the distance, but saw nothing. He glanced at Zihui who was standing next to Cao Lei, then took the reins and signaled to Jiang Molou. “Split up and act carefully.”

Jiang Molou looked at Jiang Xunyi with hesitation, before he nodded, turned around and galloped away.

On the other side, Cao Lei was not done humiliating Zihui, lifting a finger to point at the group of Western Hidden Spirit disciples. “Stand in a row from left to right and tell me one by one whether the Tianxuan Sect or the Hidden Spirit Sect is stronger.”

The disciples glanced at each other unhappily. After all, they were born into a famous sect, and after so many years of pridefulness, it was hard for them to scorn their own sect. However, the arrow-like weeds around them instantly grew by an inch, like a crossbow ready to fire.

The first person on the left trembled with fright, and hurriedly said loudly: “The, the Tianxuan Sect! The Tianxuan Sect is number one in the world, and the Hidden Spirit Sect… it’s not worth anything!”

Zihui bit her lip rigidly, but once she glanced to the side, she saw Cao Lei looking over with a smile, and she quickly smoothed out her expression.

Cao Lei laughed loudly. “This is the good disciple of a famous sect! I will spare you today! Next one.”

The second disciple was very stubborn and refused to look at Cao Lei, only turning to rebuke Zihui. “Martial Aunt Zihui, I originally only left with you because I believed that senior martial brother had acted dishonorably while second martial brother was attempting to cover his crimes. However, now it’s clear that that was not the case at all. Was everything you said just slander? Why are you doing this today? My Hidden Spirit Sect has been renowned for hundreds of years. Even if I bleed, I wouldn’t lower my head! What is Tianxuan Sect? I have never heard of it!”

Cao Lei sneered. “Great, if you would rather die than surrender, then I will fulfill you!”

But before he could take action, the sound of hoofbeats suddenly came from the top of the mountain in the distance. The horse was very fast, rushing all the way down the mountain, appearing before everyone’s eyes in an instant. Several members of the Tianxuan Sect came forward to inspect what was happening, but before they could get close, they inexplicably were tossed to the side.

Cao Lei was dumbstruck, and when he took a closer look, he found that there was only one person: a man sitting on a snow-white horse. His stature was tall, wearing a brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist, and a jade crown on his head. His wide sleeves fluttered in the wind as he galloped forwards. His entire being was enwreathed with the impression of orchids and jade trees[1]. Before his appearance was distinct, his aura had already taken the lead.

There were not many with such a level of agility, and even from a distance, it was visible that he was young. A horrific idea manifested within Cao Lei’s heart, and he murmured, “Could it be him ……”

As the rider gradually neared, Cao Lei accidentally met the opponent’s gaze. He could only think that those eyes were as cold as water and bright like stars, indescribably clear and indifferent, exquisite and extraordinary.

It was indeed the one he had guessed in his heart. He suddenly shuddered, terror filling his heart as he shouted, “Quick, stop him!”

Instinctively sensing danger, he picked up the magic weapon in his hand and continuously tapped it. Following this percussion, the surrounding vegetation flew toward the man like sharp arrows. 

Even at the sight of such a dense rain of arrows, he did not have the slightest fear. He just flicked his sleeves lightly, and the chaotic vegetation all flew back without even touching a thread of his clothes. Instead, it shot into quite a few Tianxuan disciples.

Tianxuan’s number one protector saw that the situation was not good and sent out a spiritual attack. “Stone-Splitting Arrow!” 

However, the incoming person did not stop even the slightest. The horse galloped forwards as if lightning. The arrow rushed toward the him, but without a change in his expression, he grabbed the shaft of the arrow in his hand and threw the arrow back, piercing the elder’s chest.

The disciple behind Cao Lei who had insulted Zihui earlier quickly piped up. “What’s the background of this man? Sect Master, I will meet this kid.”

Without looking back, Cao Lei bit back gloomily, “Shut up, are you looking for death? He is Jiang Xunyi!”

Jiang Xunyi raised his head and saw the wooden fence surrounding the Western Hidden Spirit Sect disciples. His thin lips hooked up slightly, seemingly mocking. His slender five fingers formed several seals in front of his chest, then he pushed his palms outwards. A fireball radiating golden light flew out of his palms, exactly landing on top of the wooden fence. Flames spread with a sudden burst, morphing into a dragon. In an instant, the huge wooden fence had turned into ashes.

The man behind Cao Lei was both frightened and angry. He leaped forward without hesitation and shouted, “Who cares if it’s Jiang Xunyi? He’s just a boy!”

Jiang Xunyi snorted lightly without answering, but his white horse suddenly accelerated. There was the flash of sword light, then the person who cursed him was already decapitated.

Cao Lei didn’t expect Jiang Xunyi to come so quickly. Seeing that he was already close, he immediately swung the long whip in his hand towards him.

Jiang Xunyi also drew his sword.

However, unexpectedly, his sword did not block the whip lashing towards his face, but instead cut Cao Lei’s throat directly.

Cao Lei’s whip lost its strength an inch before it reached Jiang Xunyi’s face. It fell to the ground powerlessly, and he choked out 3 words as he followed it to the ground.

“…Jiang, Xun, Yi.”

Jiang Xunyi still could not be bothered to speak, his gaze sweeping around before he suddenly flew off his horse. It was clearly daytime, and yet his abilities made him ghoul-like, evoking coldness within everyone’s hearts.

The disciples of Western Hidden Spirit Sect realized at this moment who was here to save them. Several people suddenly shouted at once, “Martial Brother! It is our martial brother who is here!” Their love and respect was audible in their voices.

Jiang Xunyi just walked over as if he hadn’t heard anything. Everyone in the Hidden Spirit Sect knew about his temperament, and they didn’t mind his directness. However, the first disciple had just said something insulting to the sect and watched as the most foreboding person in his life suddenly appeared and walked toward him. He was so scared that he trembled and said, “Martial Brother, I…I was compelled to say that just now. Please, please forgive me!”

Jiang Xunyi replied indifferently, “It’s already gotten to this point, and you still have the face to beg me for forgiveness. Just this is enough for you to die.”

The man was shocked and wanted to say something, but a cold feeling pierced his throat.

Jiang Xunyi icily returned his sword into its sheath. “Those who feel that the Hidden Spirit Sect is not as good as the Tianxuan Sect can come up for a fight.”

The disciples of the Tianxuan Sect who were still alive were so scared that they didn’t dare to come out. After a long while, a person trembled: “Young Master Jiang, we were blind. Naturally, the Tianxuan Sect cannot be compared to the Hidden Spirit Sect…”

Jiang Xunyi interrupted him lazily. “Go.”

The other party was both surprised and happy, almost unable to believe what he was saying. Thy turned around in a hurry and made to run away. However, before they could even run two steps, a wall of flames blocked their path.

“Do you not understand the rules?”

Everyone knew the unspoken rules, but they just didn’t expect Jiang Xunyi to do things so cruelly. Their faces turned pale, and after a while, they all decided that no one could beat Jiang Xunyi, so they could only grit their teeth and destroy their own spiritual veins.

Jiang Xunyi then withdrew the wall of fire, and the group of people stumbled down the mountain. When they arrived, they were full of arrogance, but at this moment, they dared not even turn their heads.

The people of Western Hidden Spirit were left in the same place, one by one looking at Jiang Xunyi. They felt both catharsis and shame. One of the disciples suddenly fell to the ground and cried out involuntarily, “I have seen martial brother… Actually, after the goodbye, this disciple…this disciple missed you this entire time. I had mistakenly believed the villain’s words and misunderstood the senior brother… this disciple should die.”

When Jiang Xunyi saw that he was the person who just refused to yield, his expression slightly eased. “You followed Zihui to betray the Hidden Spirit sect, and that is your wrong. But today, you had a bit of a backbone. The merits and demerits are equal.”

After he finished speaking, he ignored the other party and turned his gaze to Zihui to say indifferently, “Now…is it time to settle our account?”

Compared to the implacable Cao Lei, Zihui was not as scared of Jiang Xunyi. In her mind, he was likely still the little child who was bullied back then, so she proudly, “No matter what, I still have seniority. You are not the sect master, nor are you an elder. As a bastard from a lowly maid, what qualifications do you have to settle accounts with me?”

Jiang Xunyi sneered, but before he could say anything, the sound of hoofbeats rang out messily, as if there were many horses galloping at the same time. The leader was like a streak of lightning as he rushed forwards. Before the horses even slowed down, he had leapt down, grabbed Zihui, and slapped her seven or eight times on her face without any explanation.

Jiang Xunyi sincerely said, “…Molou, you sure are amazing.”

Jiang Molou coldly let go of Zihui, then retrieved a handkerchief from his arms to wipe his hands. “You don’t like to bicker with her, but I cannot stomach such words.”

[1]芝兰玉树 – orchids and jade trees is an idiom about a child with promising prospects.

Chapter 90 – Burning Incense

Although she had a lot of magical artifacts in her possession, the opponents came prepared, and their numbers were large. Soon, Wanderer Zihui’s spiritual power could not longer sustain the magical artifacts. After her arm was hit again, she hurriedly shouted, “Wait!”

Cao Lei’s hands hovered in the air, still in an attack posture, as he smiled slightly. “Are you regretting?”

Wanderer Zihui clenched her teeth and forced out, “If I give you the Marrow-Washing Jade, would you really let us go?”

Cao Lei swept his gaze over her from head to toe before finally pausing on Zihui’s chest. “What do you think?”

Wanderer Zihui took a short breath, speechless for a moment. Cao Lei continued, “Tianxuan is not the only sect concerned about the Western Hidden Spirit sect. Even if I let you go, how far can you go with your group of defeated soldiers?”

Wanderer Zihui’s expression morphed a few times. After considering for a long time, she finally reluctantly smiled. “What Sect Master Cao said is correct. I didn’t think it through just now, and I have to ask Sect Master Cao to take care of us in the future.”

Cao Lei laughed heartily. Wanderer Zihui’s appearance truly was beautiful, and what made him the most proud of was her identity: the Hidden Spirit Sect had sat high above everyone for so many years. Who would have thought that one day, even Immortal Master Timing’s junior sister would bend under him?

This feeling was really wonderful. Cao Lei hooked his finger to Zihui and said arrogantly, “Come here.”

Zihui looked at his smug face and her heart filled with hatred, and yet she could only bow her head and walk forwards obediently so Cao Lei could reached out and grab her into his embrace.

This scene happened to be witnessed by Jiang Xunyi and Jiang Molou who were rushing over from a distance.

The two of them had strong spiritual powers and were also standing on the high ground, so they could see everything clearly without alerting Cao Lei and others. Jiang Molou had always been hot-tempered, and at this point, he was so angry that he straightened up and was about to dismount. However, Jiang Xunyi’s arm suddenly shot out to block his chest. “Fifteen miles behind him, what is the sound?”

Jiang Molou paused, concentrating for a moment before he whispered, “There are others…many.”

Jiang Xunyi looked into the distance, but saw nothing. He glanced at Zihui who was standing next to Cao Lei, then took the reins and signaled to Jiang Molou. “Split up and act carefully.”

Jiang Molou looked at Jiang Xunyi with hesitation, before he nodded, turned around and galloped away.

On the other side, Cao Lei was not done humiliating Zihui, lifting a finger to point at the group of Western Hidden Spirit disciples. “Stand in a row from left to right and tell me one by one whether the Tianxuan Sect or the Hidden Spirit Sect is stronger.”

The disciples glanced at each other unhappily. After all, they were born into a famous sect, and after so many years of pridefulness, it was hard for them to scorn their own sect. However, the arrow-like weeds around them instantly grew by an inch, like a crossbow ready to fire.

The first person on the left trembled with fright, and hurriedly said loudly: “The, the Tianxuan Sect! The Tianxuan Sect is number one in the world, and the Hidden Spirit Sect… it’s not worth anything!”

Zihui bit her lip rigidly, but once she glanced to the side, she saw Cao Lei looking over with a smile, and she quickly smoothed out her expression.

Cao Lei laughed loudly. “This is the good disciple of a famous sect! I will spare you today! Next one.”

The second disciple was very stubborn and refused to look at Cao Lei, only turning to rebuke Zihui. “Martial Aunt Zihui, I originally only left with you because I believed that senior martial brother had acted dishonorably while second martial brother was attempting to cover his crimes. However, now it’s clear that that was not the case at all. Was everything you said just slander? Why are you doing this today? My Hidden Spirit Sect has been renowned for hundreds of years. Even if I bleed, I wouldn’t lower my head! What is Tianxuan Sect? I have never heard of it!”

Cao Lei sneered. “Great, if you would rather die than surrender, then I will fulfill you!”

But before he could take action, the sound of hoofbeats suddenly came from the top of the mountain in the distance. The horse was very fast, rushing all the way down the mountain, appearing before everyone’s eyes in an instant. Several members of the Tianxuan Sect came forward to inspect what was happening, but before they could get close, they inexplicably were tossed to the side.

Cao Lei was dumbstruck, and when he took a closer look, he found that there was only one person: a man sitting on a snow-white horse. His stature was tall, wearing a brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist, and a jade crown on his head. His wide sleeves fluttered in the wind as he galloped forwards. His entire being was enwreathed with the impression of orchids and jade trees[1]. Before his appearance was distinct, his aura had already taken the lead.

There were not many with such a level of agility, and even from a distance, it was visible that he was young. A horrific idea manifested within Cao Lei’s heart, and he murmured, “Could it be him ……”

As the rider gradually neared, Cao Lei accidentally met the opponent’s gaze. He could only think that those eyes were as cold as water and bright like stars, indescribably clear and indifferent, exquisite and extraordinary.

It was indeed the one he had guessed in his heart. He suddenly shuddered, terror filling his heart as he shouted, “Quick, stop him!”

Instinctively sensing danger, he picked up the magic weapon in his hand and continuously tapped it. Following this percussion, the surrounding vegetation flew toward the man like sharp arrows. 

Even at the sight of such a dense rain of arrows, he did not have the slightest fear. He just flicked his sleeves lightly, and the chaotic vegetation all flew back without even touching a thread of his clothes. Instead, it shot into quite a few Tianxuan disciples.

Tianxuan’s number one protector saw that the situation was not good and sent out a spiritual attack. “Stone-Splitting Arrow!” 

However, the incoming person did not stop even the slightest. The horse galloped forwards as if lightning. The arrow rushed toward the him, but without a change in his expression, he grabbed the shaft of the arrow in his hand and threw the arrow back, piercing the elder’s chest.

The disciple behind Cao Lei who had insulted Zihui earlier quickly piped up. “What’s the background of this man? Sect Master, I will meet this kid.”

Without looking back, Cao Lei bit back gloomily, “Shut up, are you looking for death? He is Jiang Xunyi!”

Jiang Xunyi raised his head and saw the wooden fence surrounding the Western Hidden Spirit Sect disciples. His thin lips hooked up slightly, seemingly mocking. His slender five fingers formed several seals in front of his chest, then he pushed his palms outwards. A fireball radiating golden light flew out of his palms, exactly landing on top of the wooden fence. Flames spread with a sudden burst, morphing into a dragon. In an instant, the huge wooden fence had turned into ashes.

The man behind Cao Lei was both frightened and angry. He leaped forward without hesitation and shouted, “Who cares if it’s Jiang Xunyi? He’s just a boy!”

Jiang Xunyi snorted lightly without answering, but his white horse suddenly accelerated. There was the flash of sword light, then the person who cursed him was already decapitated.

Cao Lei didn’t expect Jiang Xunyi to come so quickly. Seeing that he was already close, he immediately swung the long whip in his hand towards him.

Jiang Xunyi also drew his sword.

However, unexpectedly, his sword did not block the whip lashing towards his face, but instead cut Cao Lei’s throat directly.

Cao Lei’s whip lost its strength an inch before it reached Jiang Xunyi’s face. It fell to the ground powerlessly, and he choked out 3 words as he followed it to the ground.

“…Jiang, Xun, Yi.”

Jiang Xunyi still could not be bothered to speak, his gaze sweeping around before he suddenly flew off his horse. It was clearly daytime, and yet his abilities made him ghoul-like, evoking coldness within everyone’s hearts.

The disciples of Western Hidden Spirit Sect realized at this moment who was here to save them. Several people suddenly shouted at once, “Martial Brother! It is our martial brother who is here!” Their love and respect was audible in their voices.

Jiang Xunyi just walked over as if he hadn’t heard anything. Everyone in the Hidden Spirit Sect knew about his temperament, and they didn’t mind his directness. However, the first disciple had just said something insulting to the sect and watched as the most foreboding person in his life suddenly appeared and walked toward him. He was so scared that he trembled and said, “Martial Brother, I…I was compelled to say that just now. Please, please forgive me!”

Jiang Xunyi replied indifferently, “It’s already gotten to this point, and you still have the face to beg me for forgiveness. Just this is enough for you to die.”

The man was shocked and wanted to say something, but a cold feeling pierced his throat.

Jiang Xunyi icily returned his sword into its sheath. “Those who feel that the Hidden Spirit Sect is not as good as the Tianxuan Sect can come up for a fight.”

The disciples of the Tianxuan Sect who were still alive were so scared that they didn’t dare to come out. After a long while, a person trembled: “Young Master Jiang, we were blind. Naturally, the Tianxuan Sect cannot be compared to the Hidden Spirit Sect…”

Jiang Xunyi interrupted him lazily. “Go.”

The other party was both surprised and happy, almost unable to believe what he was saying. Thy turned around in a hurry and made to run away. However, before they could even run two steps, a wall of flames blocked their path.

“Do you not understand the rules?”

Everyone knew the unspoken rules, but they just didn’t expect Jiang Xunyi to do things so cruelly. Their faces turned pale, and after a while, they all decided that no one could beat Jiang Xunyi, so they could only grit their teeth and destroy their own spiritual veins.

Jiang Xunyi then withdrew the wall of fire, and the group of people stumbled down the mountain. When they arrived, they were full of arrogance, but at this moment, they dared not even turn their heads.

The people of Western Hidden Spirit were left in the same place, one by one looking at Jiang Xunyi. They felt both catharsis and shame. One of the disciples suddenly fell to the ground and cried out involuntarily, “I have seen martial brother… Actually, after the goodbye, this disciple…this disciple missed you this entire time. I had mistakenly believed the villain’s words and misunderstood the senior brother… this disciple should die.”

When Jiang Xunyi saw that he was the person who just refused to yield, his expression slightly eased. “You followed Zihui to betray the Hidden Spirit sect, and that is your wrong. But today, you had a bit of a backbone. The merits and demerits are equal.”

After he finished speaking, he ignored the other party and turned his gaze to Zihui to say indifferently, “Now…is it time to settle our account?”

Compared to the implacable Cao Lei, Zihui was not as scared of Jiang Xunyi. In her mind, he was likely still the little child who was bullied back then, so she proudly, “No matter what, I still have seniority. You are not the sect master, nor are you an elder. As a bastard from a lowly maid, what qualifications do you have to settle accounts with me?”

Jiang Xunyi sneered, but before he could say anything, the sound of hoofbeats rang out messily, as if there were many horses galloping at the same time. The leader was like a streak of lightning as he rushed forwards. Before the horses even slowed down, he had leapt down, grabbed Zihui, and slapped her seven or eight times on her face without any explanation.

Jiang Xunyi sincerely said, “…Molou, you sure are amazing.”

Jiang Molou coldly let go of Zihui, then retrieved a handkerchief from his arms to wipe his hands. “You don’t like to bicker with her, but I cannot stomach such words.”

[1]芝兰玉树 – orchids and jade trees is an idiom about a child with promising prospects.