Encountering Players

The Five Poisons Sect was preparing to use the Phoenix Immortal Sect as a starting point, intending to merge the original Five Poisons Sect with the Phoenix Immortal Sect. Therefore, they wanted to keep people like Liu Ningxue, as they were the true masters of this place, while the Five Poisons Sect members were merely outsiders.

They were unfamiliar with the surrounding areas, so they needed these people to act as the public face.

Currently, Liu Ningxue was discussing matters with Ziling and others. Though it was called a discussion, it was more like an order, as Ziling was essentially the supreme elder of the Five Poisons Sect.

“Sect Master, do you feel there’s anything in the Five Poisons Sect that needs improvement? Feel free to speak up. You are now the leader of our Five Poisons Sect, and you remain the master here. As long as you dedicate yourself fully to the Five Poisons Sect, I guarantee you won’t regret it.” Ziling said, looking at the constrained Liu Ningxue.

Despite her submission, Liu Ningxue still struggled to accept the reality. Though the Phoenix Immortal Sect wasn’t a major sect, it had a century-long legacy. Now, it was being occupied by an evil sect, which must be painful for her.

“I… I’m not familiar with the evil sect, and I’m not sure what needs improvement,” Liu Ningxue said helplessly.

She was a righteous cultivator, practicing orthodox internal martial arts and doing righteous deeds. Suddenly becoming the leader of the Five Poisons Sect left her unsure of what to do.

However, Ziling and the others weren’t difficult on her. Today, they summoned her to fully abandon the righteous path. Currently, Liu Ningxue was only superficially submissive, inwardly remaining righteous.

“I understand. Now that you’re our Five Poisons Sect leader, you need to learn about the evil sect. You’re certainly familiar with our Five Poisons Sect’s reputation. This book introduces various evil sect factions. Study it carefully and memorize everything.”

Ziling handed Liu Ningxue a thick book. Ziling’s intention was clear; she wanted Liu Ningxue to genuinely submit, which required a gradual process. One couldn’t swallow a whole watermelon in one bite.

Liu Ningxue respectfully accepted the book, titled ‘Five Poisons Scripture,’ which recorded various internal martial arts methods of the Five Poisons Sect. After flipping through a few pages, she found it difficult to endure.

She guessed Ziling’s intentions—the Five Poisons Sect aimed to corrupt her, and she had no choice but to accept.

“I will finish reading it,” Liu Ningxue said, closing the book and nodding.

Ziling smiled, as the matter wasn’t over yet. She revealed several jade slips, which glowed with a faint light and were used to record internal martial arts information.

“Take these. They contain a set of internal martial arts methods. As our interim leader, you can no longer practice orthodox internal martial arts. The same applies to other elders and your disciples. This is the Five Poisons Heart Scripture, divided into five internal martial arts methods: Snake, Spider, Centipede, Scorpion, and Toad. Practice one of these secretly.” Ziling chuckled.

Liu Ningxue understood the implications. Reluctantly, she accepted the jade slips, promising to practice, before leaving the hall.

They could no longer resist; since resistance was futile, acceptance was the only option. Refusal would lead to torment, and few could endure the torment of the soul.

After Liu Ningxue’s departure, Sheling smiled and conversed with Ziling.

“Hmph, Ziling, you’re amazing. It won’t be long before Liu Ningxue becomes one of us,” Sheling said, smiling.

“My goal isn’t just to make her one of us. I want her to truly become the leader of the Five Poisons Sect, to consider it her own sect. Only then will she slowly accept reality. Once the Five Poisons Sect is established here, I’ll temporarily serve as the supreme elder, and you’ll be the protector. We’ll leave the sect’s operations to them, intervening only in major matters.” Ziling said, smiling enigmatically.

This woman clearly had more schemes up her sleeve.

Sheling laughed at these words, her smile eerily cold, like a poisonous snake hiding in the darkness.

Meanwhile, at Ye Qingyun’s location, the Five Poisons Sect finally allowed them to cultivate. The disciples practiced the Five Poisons Heart Scripture. With the cultivation gate open, everything changed.

In the Five Poisons Sect’s residential area, Ye Qingyun and others were assigned living quarters—two people per room. Female disciples of the Five Poisons Sect were required to wear veils, not exposing their appearance in public.

Ye Qingyun and another female disciple entered their room, which was sparsely furnished with two beds and a table. Nothing else was provided, as the number of people was too great, and the beds and tables were hastily made by the Five Poisons Sect’s disciples. They dared not venture out to purchase other items.

“Eh!” Suddenly, a heavy sigh reached Ye Qingyun’s ears.

Ye Qingyun glanced at the source and asked curiously,

“Sister, why the heavy sigh?”

The girl, seeing Ye Qingyun’s inquiry, felt compelled to unburden herself. She approached Ye Qingyun, lowered her veil, revealing a serene and gentle face. Though not a top beauty, her aura surpassed that of worldly beauties.

“Sister, you may not know, but I was captured from outside and brought back here. I’m not sure what they intend to do with me,” the girl said helplessly.

Ye Qingyun was taken aback. The girl had removed her veil, indicating a desire to befriend him. After a moment’s thought, Ye Qingyun also removed his veil.

However, the girl was stunned. Ye Qingyun’s cold beauty, with his red lips and the mystical pattern on his forehead, exuded an intensely alluring charm.

Seeing the girl’s reaction, Ye Qingyun felt a mix of amusement and exasperation but accepted it calmly.

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Ye Qingrou, a former courtesan from The Capital’s pleasure district. Recently freed, I was captured by Sheling on my way out of The Capital.” Ye Qingyun introduced himself.

“Ye Qingrou? You’re a player?” the girl blurted out.

Ye Qingyun understood immediately. This girl was also a player.

“You’re a player too?” Ye Qingyun asked, surprised.

“Yes, I recently escaped my restrictions and left The Capital, but I didn’t get far before being captured by the Five Poisons Sect. Joining the sect isn’t bad, just unexpected,” the girl said with a bitter smile.

This was understandable. Everyone wanted things to go their way, but in this game, players had little control. Many things were unknown.

“Never mind that. By the way, I’m Mo Qinyin. It seems we’ll be living together. Please take care of me,” Mo Qinyin introduced herself.

“Of course. Meeting a fellow player is a pleasure,” Ye Qingyun responded.

“This darn official doesn’t know what they’re doing, trapping us in this game for so long. Are we meant to be here forever?” Mo Qinyin asked, her voice heavy with sorrow.

Not everyone could face the future with Ye Qingyun’s calm acceptance.