After the Fairy Maidens Fell to Darkness, They Captured Me to Ruthlessly 'Repay' Their Gratitude-Chapter 161 - "Send My Regards to Young Master He"

“A… A first-rank…”

“It’s a first-rank Imperial Dragon Minister!”

Among the elders, someone finally recognized the significance of this Dragon Might.

If a third-rank celestial servant required at least a Divine Transformation-level expert, then a first-rank celestial minister needed to be at the peak of Divine Transformation or even higher.

And now, the Dragon Might that could freeze time and make even the heavens yield was indeed worthy of a first-rank celestial minister.

First-rank celestial ministers were so rare that they could be counted on two hands within the entire Dragon Dynasty and Huaxia.

These high-ranking individuals rarely showed themselves, and they were all trusted confidants of the Dragon Empress. Any one of them could suppress any sect in Huaxia!

For a moment,

More sect elders turned to look, trying to catch a glimpse of the celestial minister beneath the divine Dragon Might.

The black dress adorned with golden dragon patterns shimmered, and above the celestial minister’s phoenix eyes, divine light shone. Her black hair was elegantly styled, and her black and gold high heels exuded nobility.

The celestial minister remained expressionless, looking down on the mortal world. Holding a Dragon Cauldron artifact in one hand, her presence alone, surrounded by true dragon divine light, was enough to command respect.

Many young disciples instinctively knelt in reverence.

“That’s… the True Dragon Cauldron?!”

“The True Dragon Cauldron? Isn’t that a legendary imperial artifact?!”

Soon, an elder pointed out the key detail.

The other elders followed his gaze, their eyes widening at the sight of the golden Dragon Cauldron in the black-robed celestial minister’s hand.

Even the late Divine Transformation elder couldn’t identify the artifact’s level!

Unable to discern its level, they knew what it was…

An imperial artifact of a higher realm.

It was the highest imperial artifact bestowed by the Dragon Empress!

It was said that the higher the Empress’s realm, the greater the artifact’s suppressive power!

Summoning the True Dragon Cauldron represented the Empress’s authority, capable of suppressing any sect in Huaxia and deterring even the most malevolent demons. Even the darkest demon lords would be blinded by its divine light, burned in agony.

Thud!

The first to kneel was the late Divine Transformation elder.

How could he dare act recklessly?

According to the Evil Phoenix Sect, a first-rank celestial minister was equivalent to the highest-ranking agent of Feng Yuan.

The black-robed celestial minister standing here represented the Empress’s Dragon Might, meaning all the sects’ actions had been witnessed and recorded by the Empress’s agent.

More terrifyingly…

Just moments ago, the Feathering Sect elder had spoken contemptuously of the Dragon Dynasty’s laws.

Initially, with only a third-rank celestial servant like An Luo Yi, the Feathering Sect could have easily suppressed her, given their numbers.

But a first-rank celestial minister was too formidable. Even a prestigious sect like the Feathering Sect wouldn’t dare provoke her.

Seeing the highest-ranking elder kneel, the other elders and disciples followed suit. Not only them, but the other sect elders also knelt.

For a moment,

Only An Luo Yi and He Ange remained standing, making them stand out.

Bathed in the divine Dragon Might, He Ange looked at the black-robed celestial minister, momentarily stunned, his thoughts racing.

This first-rank celestial minister was his master, Qin Shiyan…

How could he not recognize her?

Today, Qin Shiyan wore a long dragon robe, hiding her legs, so it was unclear if she wore black stockings. But her dark gold high heels were custom-made by He Ange, crafted with exquisite workmanship and high cost.

He Ange never expected his master in Shengxu Sect to be a first-rank celestial minister of the Dragon Dynasty.

But this explained many things.

For instance, during the Yong’an City crisis, why did Qin Shiyan, a Shengxu Sect elder, receive the intelligence first, not the sect leader? And why could Qin Shiyan’s letter prompt the Empress to appoint An Luo Yi as a celestial servant?

Even An Luo Yi’s promotion to third-rank celestial servant was recommended by Qin Shiyan on behalf of Shengxu Sect.

No wonder…

Qin Shiyan, as a first-rank celestial minister, had the Empress’s utmost trust.

Thud.

With this realization, He Ange knelt before Qin Shiyan. It was no big deal; after all, Qin Shiyan was his master, and kneeling to her was a common practice.

An Luo Yi followed suit.

“……”

Seeing everyone kneel, the black-robed celestial minister sighed.

Qin Shiyan’s phoenix eyes glanced at He Ange, filled with concern and worry, but she remained silent, her gaze turning cold as she scanned the sect elders.

The celestial minister spoke with an elegant and authoritative tone:

“Feathering Sect elders, do you admit your guilt?”

Her first words targeted the Feathering Sect, causing many kneeling elders to shudder, secretly relieved.

The principle of not punishing the masses was something Qin Shiyan understood.

Even with the imperial artifact, she couldn’t realistically punish all the sects that had surrounded He Ange, as it would provoke widespread anger.

So, selecting a “scapegoat” to punish and serve as a warning was the best way to uphold the Empress’s authority and resolve the conflict.

Clearly,

The Feathering Sect was the perfect target.

Other sects had only tested the boundaries of the Dragon Dynasty’s laws, at least showing some restraint upon seeing An Luo Yi’s golden dragon robe.

But the Feathering Sect had been truly audacious, with their elder nearly killing An Luo Yi!

Even attempting to harm a third-rank celestial servant was a serious offense!

If not for Qin Shiyan’s presence, who knew how the Feathering Sect would have bullied An Luo Yi and He Ange? Outside Huaxia, without a first-rank celestial minister like Qin Shiyan, the Feathering Sect would have had free rein!

With this in mind,

Qin Shiyan’s phoenix eyes grew colder, her anger evident.

“Elder, I admit my guilt.”

The Great Elder, under the black-robed celestial minister’s gaze, quickly bowed his head.

Clearly, he was scared.

Caught by a first-rank celestial minister, admitting guilt was the only way to hope for leniency, avoiding the Empress’s wrath.

And Qin Shiyan knew his thoughts.

As a celestial minister for many years, she had seen countless corrupt officials, demon collaborators, and power abusers trying to bribe her.

Qin Shiyan had seen it all and knew exactly what they were thinking.

“Since you admit your guilt, I will report today’s events to the Empress.”

The black-robed celestial minister spoke coldly, her tone devoid of emotion, like an impartial enforcer.

Immediately, the Feathering Sect elders panicked.

If this reached the Empress, they were doomed…

In the center, the Great Elder trembled, but he mustered the courage to stand—

“Celestial Minister!”

“Today’s events were my decision alone, unrelated to the Feathering Sect. Please reconsider and let me bear the punishment alone!”

The Great Elder stood, speaking sincerely, his words moving.

For a moment, the other elders and disciples looked at him with respect.

“You wish to bear the punishment alone? Very well.”

Qin Shiyan said, holding the Dragon Cauldron and examining its dragon patterns.

After a moment of silence, she spoke coldly:

“Self-destruct your cultivation and destroy your core.”

“If you punish yourself as I say, this matter will be settled. As a celestial minister, I cannot ignore this, but I will write favorably of the Feathering Sect to the Empress, mitigating her response.”

“This… this…”

Self-destruct his cultivation?

Destroy his core?

This would turn the Great Elder into a crippled mortal!

Hearing this,

The other sect elders broke into a cold sweat, their eyes on the Great Elder, unsure of what to think.

Most worried were the Feathering Sect elders.

To speak frankly,

If they were in the Great Elder’s position, they might consider rebellion.

But under the Dragon Might, self-destruction was almost equivalent to death. As cultivators, they knew the difficulty of reaching their current level.

Rather than becoming a cripple, they might prefer fighting the celestial minister, hoping to escape and join a demon sect.

Because they knew, they were worried!

If the Great Elder had such thoughts, the other Feathering Sect elders would suffer! Their sect would be doubly condemned, with the Great Elder’s sins added to their own.

And they were right.

The Great Elder was indeed considering rebellion!

Seeing his darkening gaze, he weighed his personal interests against the sect’s.

“Celestial Minister… can’t you show more mercy…”

The Great Elder pleaded, but he had already decided: if the black-robed celestial minister remained harsh, he would defect to the demon sect!

Though loyal to the Feathering Sect, he couldn’t accept becoming a cripple. Even a thousand years in prison or a chance to redeem himself would be better! But self-destruction was too heavy a price for a Divine Transformation expert!

He had spent nearly a thousand years reaching this level!

Meanwhile,

Qin Shiyan watched the kneeling Great Elder, her phoenix eyes cold. She sighed, her eyes narrowing.

“I knew you wouldn’t have the heart. I don’t blame you; the price is too high for a Divine Transformation expert. No one would agree easily…”

She spoke softly, her tone elegant but tinged with sympathy and resignation.

But despite her words, her phoenix eyes remained cold and ruthless.

“Re… really? You can show mercy—!”

The Great Elder looked up, hopeful.

He thought his plea had succeeded, that the celestial minister would show leniency for the Feathering Sect and his cultivation level.

But the next moment, his eyes widened in shock.

The black-robed celestial minister raised her hand, her phoenix eyes flashing with icy killing intent and Dragon Might.

At the same time, the True Dragon Cauldron glowed with divine light, the Dragon Might causing the heavens to weep. The crowd saw the Empress’s shadow behind the celestial minister.

Then,

In the next moment—

Divine light descended like judgment, a golden beam striking the Great Elder’s head, a scene as awe-inspiring as divine retribution.

AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

The Great Elder’s agonized screams echoed, shocking the entire plaza.

The crowd watched in horror as the Great Elder was consumed by the divine light, his cultivation destroyed, his soul obliterated, his body reduced to ashes!

After a long moment,

The screams ceased.

The divine light faded, and the Great Elder’s last trace vanished.

This “kill one to warn a hundred” display of Dragon Might was a perfect example of the Empress’s style!

For a moment,

The entire plaza fell silent, everyone overwhelmed by the Dragon Might, their loyalty to the Dragon Dynasty renewed.

On the pavilion,

The black-robed celestial minister lowered her hand, storing the dimmed True Dragon Cauldron, then sat on a chair, her phoenix eyes showing a hint of fatigue.

Using the imperial artifact drained her significantly.

But in this crucial moment, Qin Shiyan maintained her composure, upholding the celestial minister’s dignified image.

She sat upright, her legs crossed, her phoenix eyes focusing on the white-robed youth in the crowd.

Seeing him panting heavily, her eyes showed a trace of concern.

In this secret realm, Shengxu Sect had only sent Qin Shiyan as an elder.

Due to her celestial minister status, she couldn’t intervene unless absolutely necessary, watching helplessly as He Ange, a lone disciple, was bullied by the sects.

Honestly…

Qin Shiyan had wanted to intervene earlier, but her duty to the Dragon Dynasty required her to wait until the last moment.

Now, with the Dragon Dynasty’s laws enforced,

She no longer needed to suppress her personal feelings. She could finally stop being an impartial celestial minister…

“Your sect’s crimes against the Dragon Dynasty and the Empress have been atoned for by the Great Elder.”

The black-robed celestial minister sat upright, speaking coldly.

Her voice remained emotionless, elegant, and authoritative.

The Feathering Sect elders listened, some mourning the Great Elder’s death, but most relieved. With the Great Elder’s death, their sect was spared further punishment.

If the Great Elder had escaped, they would have been blamed…

So, the Great Elder’s death as a scapegoat was a relief.

However,

As the Feathering Sect elders felt relieved, the black-robed celestial minister spoke again—

“The Feathering Sect’s crimes against the Dragon Dynasty are forgiven.”

“But—”

She paused.

This time, Qin Shiyan’s cold, emotionless voice was replaced by clear anger and displeasure.

In an instant, the golden Dragon Might erupted again. The celestial minister slammed the table, her phoenix eyes flashing with unprecedented fury—

“—how will you atone for bullying my disciple, He Ange?!”

While the conflict in the Fox Clan’s secret realm continued,

Meanwhile, on the other side of Huaxia, in the northern secret realm, Blood Jade Forbidden Zone, Duan Yuyan had safely arrived at the Blood Moon Witch’s palace under Xuanque’s escort.

Here,

Duan Yuyan, holding the Qinglong Sword, requested an audience and finally met the tall, cold Blood Moon Witch on her bone throne.

Mu Yanli…

At just nineteen, she had reached the peak of Nascent Soul.

Now, in her early twenties, she was at the peak of Divine Transformation.

Her cultivation speed surpassed even the chosen ones, like a cheat code.

Now…

Mu Yanli’s cultivation had been stuck at the peak of Divine Transformation for some time.

She was the undisputed young supreme of the demon realm, unmatched by any young expert in the Dragon Dynasty.

Every time Duan Yuyan thought of this, she trembled with fear.

She had seen the Blood Moon Witch’s ruthlessness, devoid of humanity. To enhance her blood magic, she had slaughtered an entire city in one night…

That night,

Not only did Mu Yanli become a legend,

But it also marked the beginning of Duan Yuyan’s nightmare. She was the only survivor of that city, spared because the witch took an interest in her comatose sister.

Later, the witch made a deal with Duan Yuyan.

She would treat her sister’s illness, and Duan Yuyan would serve as a spy in the Heavenly Sword Sect, reporting their movements…

Now,

It had been two years since Duan Yuyan was enslaved by the witch.

“Yuyan, you’re here~”

Seeing the familiar sky-blue-haired girl, Mu Yanli smiled coldly. She wore an elegant gothic evening dress, with black silk gloves on her arms, her legs crossed, showcasing her enchanting legs and her newly purchased black stockings and high heels from Yong’an City’s Liu’s Cloth Shop.

“This is the Heavenly Sword Sect’s prized Qinglong Sword!”

“You promised to use it to treat my sister…”

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The girl trembled under the witch’s gaze but tried to remain calm.

The witch delicately lifted the Qinglong Sword with her finger, examining it.

But soon,

Mu Yanli’s eyes narrowed, her expression darkening, then shifting to a dazzling smile.

“Can I see my sister now?” The girl asked, seeing the witch’s satisfied smile.

“Yes, go ahead.”

The witch nodded, her high heels tapping.

But as Duan Yuyan turned to leave the Blood Moon Palace, a soft, bell-like laugh came from behind—

“After seeing your sister, remember to send my regards to that kind-hearted Young Master He.”

As she spoke, the witch’s black-purple hair began to turn white, the tips stained with blood, her eyes reflecting a blood moon pattern.

Duan Yuyan turned, her eyes widening in fear.

Mu Yanli pondered for a moment.

Finally, she leaned back on her throne, her hand supporting her face, a playful smile on her lips:

“Tell him that Yusheng is doing well here, and there’s no need for him to worry~”

…