The Villainous Senior Brother Doesn't Want to Wash White [Transmigration] - Chapter 9

At the same moment Ji Yanqing sensed Qi Ye looking at him, Qi Ye timely suppressed his smile.

However, the mirth in his eyes didn’t completely dissipate; it was like the surface of a river where spring ice had begun to melt, clouded with a thin layer of warmth. The white-clothed youth, who usually wore a cold face, looked unexpectedly gentle when he smiled, so much so that Ji Yanqing found himself momentarily unable to look away.

After all, from the first time he saw Qi Ye, he had taken a fancy to Qi Ye’s… face.

“What is Senior Brother looking at?”

Those black eyes leaned a bit closer to Ji Yanqing. Qi Ye’s voice sounded in his ear, causing him to snap out of the “beauty’s trance” instantly.

The disciples who were discussing earlier had already walked far away. Qi Ye’s magnified face was right in front of Ji Yanqing, staring at him intently.

“Nothing. I’m leaving now.”

Sensing the atmosphere was slightly off, Ji Yanqing didn’t even have time to retort further. He left that single sentence, summoned a random flying artifact, and hurriedly fled Tianshu Peak.

Once out of Qi Ye’s line of sight, Ji Yanqing’s mind finally settled a bit. At the very least, he could properly think about what was going on.

Through the discussion of those disciples, Ji Yanqing could confirm that Qi Ye wasn’t lying. Regarding the choice of training location, he had made a decision entirely different from the original plot.

The main plot has already been changed, so why is this world still fine?

Before long, the system returned from headquarters with the answer.

The system first announced the new protocol in the mission guide: “To flexibly respond to changes in characters’ choices across different worlds, headquarters has issued a new guide. When characters make choices different from the plot for their own purposes, new main storyline missions will be generated. As long as these missions are completed, the world will not collapse.”

Following the system’s explanation, a new mission panel indeed appeared before Ji Yanqing’s eyes.

[Congratulations, Host, for activating a new main storyline mission. Mission Description: Travel to Cloud City with Qi Ye and, before the training ends, help Qi Ye obtain his natal spirit sword.]

Below were two options: Accept or Decline.

Ji Yanqing was silent for a moment before asking, “Isn’t Qi Ye’s natal spirit sword in the Qiankun Secret Realm? Does that mean I have to go there with him too?”

The system replied quite nonchalantly: “It’s fine. Cloud City also has a similar spirit sword.”

Ji Yanqing still remembered that according to the original book, the sword Qi Ye obtained in the secret realm was not only a perfect match for his spiritual root but also suppressed his demon bloodline at critical moments—it was peerless in all the world.

Yet now the system was saying there was a “similar” one in Cloud City. Can we be any more casual about this!

Ji Yanqing frowned slightly and replied, “I decline this mission.”

“Host…”

The system seemingly hadn’t expected Ji Yanqing to refuse so decisively. After all, currently, accepting this new mission was the best way to correct the storyline.

Just as it was about to say more, Ji Yanqing continued: “Qi Ye wants that Golden Light Glazed Lamp of Recurrence; perhaps he’s already sensed something. Compared to the risk of Qi Ye learning the truth, I’d rather use these few days to make Qi Ye change his mind.”

For Ji Yanqing, going to Cloud City with Qi Ye meant too many possibilities—especially since Qi Ye had made too many unusual moves lately. Rather than traveling alone with Qi Ye, Ji Yanqing preferred to drag the main plot back to its original track.

“By the way, what were you going to say earlier?” After explaining, Ji Yanqing realized the system had been cut off.

The system answered: “Oh, I was going to say that after completing this new mission, the reward is 300 Villain Points.”

Ji Yanqing didn’t hesitate: “A successful villain must be brave enough to take on various risks. I accept this mission!”

Cloud City is located on the North Stream Continent. It was built using a formation left by a Golden Immortal a thousand years ago. Because it is situated high in the sky, it is named Cloud City.

That Golden Immortal was originally a mortal who joined a sect and achieved immortality through self-cultivation. He didn’t belong to any power, so after he left this world, even the currently surging demonic Tanlang Hall didn’t dare claim Cloud City as its own. Various forces intersected within, resulting in a city of extreme luxury and high costs.

But precisely because of this, Cloud City inevitably housed heterodox sects that were traditional rivals of Qingmen. Before they left, Si Hongzheng repeatedly exhorted them to be low-key and cautious, and not to start conflicts with others.

Ji Yanqing just didn’t understand—why did Si Hongzheng keep looking at him while saying that?

Does he look that flashy and prone to trouble?

Ji Yanqing thought somewhat aggrievedly. He and Qi Ye had just stepped out of the transport formation. Their dark-gold patterned green robes glimmered with luxury, two strings of gold bells hung from their sleeves, and they wore premium spiritual fur cloaks.

Almost anyone could tell this young man who just arrived had an extraordinary status. A swarm of people immediately surrounded them, aggressively soliciting customers.

A beautiful woman waved a handkerchief, saying coquettishly, “Young Master, would you like to have some fun at our Fragrance Pavilion?~”

A waiter nearby immediately cut in, “Young Masters, why not come to our Cloud-Drunken Inn? We have the finest Thousand-Mile Brew, and a ten-day stay is only ten high-grade spirit stones!”

For this trial, considering Cloud City’s prices and their status as personal disciples, the sect had given them one hundred high-grade spirit stones each. Combined with the stones Ji Yanqing had saved up, he brought a full thousand high-grade spirit stones with him.

Ten high-grade spirit stones for ten days—one per day—was indeed very cost-effective in Cloud City.

Ji Yanqing’s mental calculator clicked away. His gaze swept through the crowd, and he seemingly at random pointed to the waiter from Cloud-Drunken Inn. “Thousand-Mile Brew, right? We’ll go to your place.”

“Right away! Young Masters, this is the cloud-carriage we specially prepared for distinguished guests. Please, this way!”

The chosen waiter gave a happy shout and waved over a magnificent carriage. The horses pulling it were spirit beasts that stepped on auspicious clouds, and the carriage was made of gold—clearly designed to host “rich but foolish” guests like Ji Yanqing.

However, as the cloud-carriage flew further and further away, Ji Yanqing gradually sensed something was wrong.

Ji Yanqing remembered it was still daytime when they transported here. By the time the carriage finally stopped, night had already fallen. And when the owner of Cloud-Drunken Inn told him that their premium room was actually one hundred spirit stones per day, Ji Yanqing was certain: he had truly encountered a “black shop” (scam shop).

Seeing that Ji Yanqing was about to leave directly, the owner said smugly, “Anyway, there’s no other place to stay within a thousand miles. Stay or don’t, it’s up to you.”

Ji Yanqing: ?

Causing trouble in front of a villain… is this owner flying too high, or does he think I can’t lift my blade?

Contrary to what the owner expected, the young man before him didn’t get angry but instead flashed him a smile. Even the owner had to admit that while this youth picked the “blackest” of the scam shops, he was truly… beautiful. Perhaps for the sake of this face, he could give a discount?

Nearby, Qi Ye had already seen through Ji Yanqing’s thoughts. Before Ji Yanqing could act, Qi Ye stepped forward. The sudden drop in temperature snapped the owner out of Ji Yanqing’s smile.

“One premium room.”

Qi Ye produced a storage bag, took out a pouch of spirit stones, and placed it before the owner.

The owner’s attention was instantly caught by the pouch. His disdain turned into a greedy smile as he snatched the stones and ordered the waiter to lead the “distinguished guests” to the room.

“Interfering,” Ji Yanqing said a bit unhappily as the golden spiritual light in his hand dissipated.

Qi Ye looked down and advised, “Senior Brother, before we find the Golden Light Glazed Lamp of Recurrence, it’s better not to cause extra trouble.”

“Hmph,” Ji Yanqing gave a cold snort and said no more.

Soon, he and Qi Ye followed the waiter through winding corridors to the premium room. Fortunately, though the shop was a scam, the room was elegantly decorated. There was a small courtyard outside, and two beds inside, sparing Ji Yanqing the awkwardness of sleeping with Qi Ye.

Sitting on a soft couch, Ji Yanqing listened to Qi Ye describe the situation in Cloud City.

“The power dynamics here are complex; almost every faction has the shadow of the three great families of the North Stream Continent behind them. Don’t be fooled by the owner’s low cultivation; his family might not lack Primal Spirit experts.”

“According to the info I have, news of the Glazed Lamp appeared in the Treasure Tower. That tower has always traded info for items. The entry fee is one hundred high-grade spirit stones, and it’s about half a stick of incense’s time away by sword.”

“Junior Brother Qi certainly knows Cloud City well.” Hearing Qi Ye say so much, Ji Yanqing realized Qi Ye had done his homework thoroughly. He also began to calculate seriously.

His goals in Cloud City were threefold. First, complete the main mission to help Qi Ye get that “similar” sword. Second, prevent Qi Ye from getting the Glazed Lamp—or failing that, destroy it before he takes it back to Qingmen. Third, naturally, find chances to farm Qi Ye’s Villain Points.

No lead on the first, must wait for the second—so now, he could only do the third.

Thinking this, Ji Yanqing looked at Qi Ye and said with an ill-intentioned look, “Junior Brother, listening to you talk has made me a bit hungry. Why don’t you get me something to eat?”

Cultivators already achieve “Bigu” (fasting) before Foundation Establishment, though they still indulge in food occasionally. But as the owner said, there were no other places to stay for a thousand miles, and it was late at night—where was Qi Ye supposed to get food?

This was clearly making things difficult for him.

Hearing this, Qi Ye was first stunned, then said with some difficulty, “At this hour, I’m afraid there’s no one in the kitchen.”

Ji Yanqing’s heart gladdened, though his face darkened. He was about to scold Qi Ye when he heard him continue: “If Senior Brother doesn’t mind, I’ll cook something for you.”

“…Fine.” Ji Yanqing hit the brakes, barely swallowing the words he was about to spit out.

Once Qi Ye left, Ji Yanqing began timing him, preparing to complain he was too slow when he returned. But in less than half an hour, Qi Ye walked in carrying a tray.

So fast!

Ji Yanqing was startled. He knew Qi Ye had lived alone since childhood and had maxed-out survival skills, but that didn’t stop him from picking nits.

“Why so slow? I’m nearly starving to death!” Ji Yanqing complained unceremoniously.

Qi Ye lowered his head, set the tray on the table, and said apologetically, “Please forgive me, Senior Brother. I spent some time finding ingredients, so the preparation isn’t very thorough.”

Ji Yanqing looked at the dishes. Aside from some home-style stir-fries, in the middle sat a golden-brown, crispy roasted chicken. Ji Yanqing tentatively poked it with his chopsticks; with just a light touch, the skin broke, releasing an aroma. Inside the chicken was a soup base made from various rare spiritual fruits.

Finishing such an intricate dish and other appetizing stir-fries in half an hour… if this wasn’t thorough, what was?

Originally, Ji Yanqing just meant to make things hard for him, but seeing these dishes, his appetite was piqued. He took a bite of the chicken, and his eyes lit up.

How can there be such delicious roasted chicken?

Crispy and refreshing, the aroma lingering between his teeth was just right. The other dishes were equally delicious. Since coming to Qingmen, Ji Yanqing had lived a life of ascetic cultivation and hadn’t eaten such good food in ages.

“Senior Brother, how is it?”

Nearby, seeing Ji Yanqing remain expressionless and only take one bite of each dish, Qi Ye became apprehensive. He asked with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

Hearing the question, Ji Yanqing finally remembered he was supposed to be making things hard for him. How did he end up being bought over by a few dishes!

Even if the food was delicious, the surface act had to be maintained. Should I just flip the table? Ji Yanqing was reluctant. After some thought, he chose Option B.

He slammed his chopsticks on the table and said with a face full of disdain, “Do you even need to ask? It’s naturally terrible.”

“And with you here, I can’t eat another bite.”

Seeing his hard work so dismissed, and hearing Ji Yanqing didn’t want to see him, the hope in Qi Ye’s heart cooled.

“Since Senior Brother is so repulsed…” He stood up coldly, about to leave as Ji Yanqing wished, when a prompt suddenly rang in his ear: