We Villains Don't Want to Be Stepping Stones - Chapter 9

"We Villains Don't Want to Be Stepping Stones - Chapter 9: The Demon's True Form Exposed"

Chapter 9: The Demon's True Form Exposed

A single night passed in the blink of an eye.

Early the next morning, Ling Xiao appeared at the entrance of the Demon-Sealing Abyss, still holding Yue Qiuci by his side.

Now that he had uncovered Chu Yang's hidden trump card, Ling Xiao no longer had any reservations.

In a short while, all he needed to do was shatter this Chosen One's resolve, causing him to lose his accumulated fortune, and then he could smoothly harvest the results.

"Master!"

From afar, Ye Qingchan, Ye Liuyun, and a group of Xuan Jian Sect disciples approached from the ancient forest, their faces heavy with tension.

If it turned out today that Chu Yang truly had ties with Yue Qiuci, the Xuan Jian Sect might face complete annihilation.

"Last night, I placed a barrier over the Demon-Sealing Abyss to investigate whether anyone in the Xuan Jian Sect was secretly colluding with Chu Yang. Fortunately, none of you disappointed me."

Ling Xiao raised his head and glanced at Ye Qingchan. "If Chu Yang is indeed conspiring with Yue Qiuci later, I believe it will be his personal actions, unrelated to the Xuan Jian Sect. At that time, I will make an announcement to the Northern Wastes, clearing the sect's name."

"What... what?!"

Ye Liuyun's eyes trembled slightly, tears beginning to well up. "Master, your righteousness knows no bounds!"

"Sect Leader Ye, Miss Ye Qingchan, and the elders of the Xuan Jian Sect, follow me down into the abyss."

Ling Xiao nodded, saying nothing more, and stepped forward into the depths of the abyss.

Soon, as their figures appeared at the bottom of the abyss, a faint glimmer of soul light flashed in Ling Xiao's eyes.

In his grasp, Yue Qiuci's delicate face tightened as she felt an overwhelming surge of soul force descend upon her, sealing her consciousness and rendering her immobile.

Then, Ling Xiao gave Xiao Ge a subtle nod. The latter immediately understood, hoisting Yue Qiuci and carrying her into the great hall.

Buzz!

Accompanied by a resonant hum, a spiritual screen suddenly materialized above everyone's heads, displaying the measures Ling Xiao had set up on Yue Qiuci.

"Junior Brother Chu, are you comfortable staying here?"

"Hmm?"

Hearing the approaching footsteps from the hall, Chu Yang's eyes instantly narrowed. His aura fluctuated violently, and blood spurted from his mouth, though he quickly forced it back down.

Damn it...

He had been at a critical juncture in his cultivation, only to be forcibly interrupted.

The feeling of being on the verge of a breakthrough, only to have his spiritual energy brutally suppressed, was unbearably suffocating, filling him with rage.

Unfortunately, the divine technique he was cultivating was a demonic inheritance. If anyone discovered this, he would be left with no way to defend himself.

"Senior Brother Xiao, why are you here?"

Chu Yang took a deep breath and forced a smile onto his face.

The two of them had once clashed over the position of the sect's young master.

Ultimately, Chu Yang emerged victorious, earning the title of heir, while Xiao Ge, in anger, secluded himself in closed-door training, refusing to deal with worldly affairs.

Who would have thought that now, as Chu Yang was imprisoned in the Locking Demon Abyss, the only person from the entire sect to visit him was Xiao Ge!

But...

Brother, if you're coming, fine—but why are you carrying a pig's head?

"I've come to bring you a companion, so you won't feel lonely down here."

Before Chu Yang's forced smile could fade, Xiao Ge suddenly grinned widely and tossed Yue Qiuci directly in front of Chu Yang.

"Junior Brother, be careful—this is the Demon Empress Yue Qiuci. You'd best stay far away from her."

Xiao Ge chuckled brightly, then turned and walked toward the exit of the hall.

What acting skills! Surely worth another top-grade spirit pill?

"Yue... Yue Qiuci?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Yang's heart trembled, and the suppressed blood nearly erupted from his mouth again.

For now, he still feigned calmness, waiting until Xiao Ge left the hall before stepping forward to embrace Yue Qiuci tightly.

"Qiuci! It really is you!!"

But...

At this moment, Yue Qiuci had already been sealed by Ling Xiao, unable to move or speak. She could only gaze at Chu Yang with tear-filled eyes, completely helpless.

"Qiuci, what happened to you? What's going on here?"

Chu Yang's heart raced with anxiety, unaware that every one of his actions had already been observed by Ye Liuyun and the others outside the hall.

Especially Ye Qingchan—her gaze turned icy cold, her jade-like hands clenched tightly.

When Chu Yang had abandoned them in the ancient abyss during their earlier journey, she and the others had nearly perished at Yue Qiuci's hands.

Originally, Ye Qingchan refused to believe that Chu Yang would betray the Xuan Jian Sect, her father, or herself.

But the scene unfolding before her eyes shattered all her beliefs.

Though there had never been any intimate contact between them, years of practicing together had fostered a bond.

"Chu Yang! This wretch has truly conspired with the demonic path!"

Ye Liuyun's expression twisted with fury, and he wanted nothing more than to charge into the hall and execute Chu Yang on the spot.

"Sect Leader Ye, please remain calm. There may still be surprises."

Ling Xiao smiled faintly, his gaze clear and composed, showing no surprise at the unfolding events.

Currently, Chu Yang was merely a righteous disciple who had conspired with the demonic path—an act that incited hatred but wasn't yet evil enough.

However, what if he himself were a demon?

In that case, any lingering feelings or past connections would become irrelevant.

"Blood Elder! Blood Elder!!"

Seeing Yue Qiuci's emotionless and unresponsive state, Chu Yang's heart quaked.

If he hadn't formed a relationship with this Demon Empress back then, perhaps he wouldn't be so obsessed now.

A Chosen One, after all, always starts with chaos and ends with abandonment... no, wait, they're always loyal in love.

Shh, don't say anything. There may be many beauties, but that doesn't stop me from being devoted to each one.

Buzz!

Accompanied by another resonant hum, a streak of crimson radiance suddenly bloomed in the endless darkness.

Following this, a demonic shadow descended, appearing above Chu Yang's head.

"Qiuci, don't worry. I won't let you perish here. I'll help you escape."

Chu Yang's bloodshot eyes filled with pain, especially as he noticed the bloodstains on Yue Qiuci's lower body—courtesy of Ling Xiao's earlier intervention.

Upon hearing this, Yue Qiuci sighed inwardly and closed her eyes in despair.

Seeing this, Chu Yang hugged her even tighter, his expression filled with anguish.

"Blood Elder, please take a look—what's wrong with Qiuci?"

Buzz!

The blood shadow remained silent for a long time, its body gradually emanating a crimson glow that cast an eerie and terrifying light across the dark hall.

Then, layers of blood shadows pierced through the ground, enveloping both Chu Yang and Yue Qiuci.

But at this moment, the tightly shut doors of the hall burst open once again.