C15 The Conspiracy Did Not Exist!

Amidst the lively atmosphere at the Xiao family, the First Elder and Xiao Ning wore somber expressions.

They had assumed that once the Moonbound Chang'e event concluded, Chiang Xie would be at their mercy.

To their surprise, following the event, Chiang Xie emerged as a hero within the Xiao family!

This left the First Elder and Xiao Ning feeling as if they had swallowed something foul. Under these circumstances, how could they possibly go through with killing Chiang Xie?

Yet, if they didn't eliminate Chiang Xie, could they simply overlook the disgrace he had caused them?

After much deliberation, the First Elder decided it was best to keep Chiang Xie alive for the time being. Once the buzz died down, they could discreetly arrange for his demise.

Xiao Ning, however, was not inclined to wait any longer. Having been publicly humiliated by Chiang Xie, the idea of waiting was unfathomable to him.

He took the First Elder aside and said directly, "Grandfather, Chiang Xie has already overstayed his welcome by a month. We can't allow him to roam free any longer!"

"The boy has just secured a significant victory for the Xiao family. Killing him now would be ill-advised. If word gets out, do you think Xiao Zhan and the other elders would spare you, Grandfather?"

"So, Ning'er, you must be patient. Once this attention fades, I promise to take care of him and get revenge for you."

The First Elder was well aware of his grandson's eagerness to see Chiang Xie dead, but he also knew this was not the time to act, and so he counseled patience to Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning shook his head, insisting, "Grandfather, this man is a menace. If we don't eliminate him soon, he's bound to become a thorn in our side."

The First Elder fell into deep thought. Chiang Xie had indeed claimed that within a month, he could elevate the Xiao family to the preeminent position in Wutan City. And true to his word, within a month, the Xiao family had risen to that very status.

Even though the Xiao family had not yet officially been recognized as the leading family in Wutan City, those in the know were aware of the truth.

In any city, a family's close ties to the City Lord signified their dominance. It meant that the City Lord himself was backing the family, deterring other families from daring to cross the city's most powerful patron.

Families with ties to the City Lord had no choice but to yield to the Xiao family. They couldn't suppress them; instead, they had to foster good relations. After all, it was the Xiao family that managed to establish a connection with the City Lord, making their ascent inevitable.

Thus, it was merely a matter of time before the Xiao family rose to become the preeminent family in Wutan City.

This development led the First Elder to view Chiang Xie with a sense of awe. What kind of talent must one possess to win the City Lord's cooperation with a mere performance?

"Grandfather is well aware, but killing this young man is not going to be easy now," he mused.

The First Elder sighed, knowing that Xiao Zhan had undoubtedly assigned the family's elite to covertly guard Chiang Xie. How could he possibly eliminate him now?

"Grandfather, what if I have Xiao Xuner deliver the Enchantment Fragrance to Chiang Xie?" Xiao Ning proposed.

"It's actually an aphrodisiac disguised as a fragrance. With just the two of them alone in the room, imagine what could happen... I'd like to see how Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhan could ever forgive their 'great hero' after that."

A venomous glint appeared in Xiao Ning's eyes. If he couldn't have what he desired, he would use it to exact revenge on his foes, even if it inadvertently favored that upstart Chiang Xie.

The First Elder was taken aback, not expecting his typically polite grandson to devise such a vile scheme. Yet, it seemed the only feasible way to eliminate Chiang Xie now.

After a pause, the First Elder advised Xiao Ning, "The plan is sound, but Xiao Xuner is no ordinary figure. You must ensure that you're completely dissociated from the act!"

Xiao Ning was acutely aware of the potential repercussions should the plan fail. He nodded earnestly, assuring that he would execute the plan meticulously to avoid any complications.

Reassured, the First Elder was struck by a sudden inspiration and added, "Place the Enchantment Fragrance, and after fifteen minutes, I'll bring Xiao Zhan and the other guests to Chiang Xie's room. By then, Chiang Xie will have no place in Wutan City, and his demise will be certain!"

"Hehe, Grandpa's move is the ultimate finisher."

"Haha, you're still the more impressive one, grandson!"

"Not at all, Grandpa is the true master."

With that, Xiao Ning reluctantly took out a piece of Enchantment Fragrance, remarkably similar to sandalwood. This fragrance was exceedingly rare, and he had only this one piece.

Rumor had it that the scent of the Enchantment Fragrance could drive male cultivators to lose their minds in passion, though it had no effect on female cultivators. It was the perfect weapon to use against Chiang Xie.

A short while later, Xiao Ning entered the hall and, after a lengthy search, spotted Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuner still enjoying their moonlit date.

Jealousy flared within him, but he consoled himself with the thought that soon Xiao Xuner would no longer be with Xiao Yan.

Approaching with a feigned smile, he softly asked, "Have you seen Chiang?"

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuner were taken aback. Xiao Ning had been publicly humiliated by Chiang Xie; surely he wasn't here for revenge?

But they dismissed the thought as unlikely. Chiang Xie was now the Xiao family's great benefactor, and Xiao Ning wouldn't dare cross him.

"Mr. Chiang has just returned to his room. Is there something you need, cousin?"

"Not much... I just wanted to express my gratitude to Brother Chiang. I was too harsh with my cousin that day. Brother Chiang's slap... it really taught me how to be a better brother."

As Xiao Ning finished, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuner couldn't suppress their laughter. This was just too shameless!

A slap in the face, and you're thanking him? Claiming to have learned how to be a brother from it? What a piece of work!

Xiao Yan knew he shouldn't be laughing at such a time. No, he shouldn't laugh at all, so he quickly composed himself.

Xiao Ning's mouth twitched. The words were indeed shameless, but he had no choice. To take down Chiang Xie, he had to stoop to this level.

After a moment's contemplation, he added with a touch of earnestness, "Cousin, I don't mind if you laugh... but I really need your help, okay?"

Xiao Yan quickly realized that Xiao Ning likely wanted to cozy up to Chiang Xie because of Chiang's esteemed status within the Xiao family.

Without hesitation, he nodded and offered, "If there's anything you need help with, cousin, just let me know!"

Xiao Ning, seeing Xiao Yan fall for his ploy, allowed himself a sly grin before presenting the Enchantment Fragrance, saying, "This is a premium Dragon Santal Incense. It's not only effective for repelling mosquitoes and focusing the mind but also accelerates the pace of cultivation!"

"I had intended to personally gift it to Chiang Xie, but I feared he might refuse it. So, I thought to ask cousin Xuner to deliver this Dragon Santal Incense to Chiang Xie on my behalf... You don't mind, do you, cousin?"

Xiao Xuner glanced at Xiao Yan, who gave a nod to show he didn't mind.

After all, it wasn't a significant favor, and since Chiang Xie was like a big brother to him, he naturally had no objections.

Understanding Xiao Yan's stance, Xiao Xuner accepted the Dragon Santal Incense gracefully and assured with a light smile, "Xiao Yan won't mind. I'll be happy to take it to Mr. Chiang for you, cousin."

Xiao Ning expressed his gratitude quickly, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of madness before he took his leave.

...

Meanwhile, Chiang Xie was reclining on his bed, relieved to see the mission progress hit one hundred percent. His rewards materialized: a Yellow Level Experience Pill, a Profound Level Experience Book, two hundred Main Character Value points, and a chance at a free lottery draw!

Aside from consuming the Experience Pill and perusing the Experience Book, which elevated him to Level 1 of the Profound Energy Stage, Chiang Xie refrained from further exploring the system.

He had come to realize that he had spent enough time with the Xiao family; it was time to venture out and hone his skills. How else would his cultivation levels skyrocket?

Chiang Xie knew that solely relying on mission rewards like the Experience Pill and Experience Book for advancement was insufficient.

He recalled his initial days after arriving in this world, powerless to take Lan Xin away from the Chiang family. His only hope was that his bluff would intimidate the Chiang family enough to prevent them from harming Lan Xin.

However, such deception wouldn't last long, so he needed to quickly enhance his strength before he could take Lan Xin away from the Chiang family.

After much deliberation, Chiang Xie resolved to leave the Xiao family and venture into the nearby Demonic Beast Forest. There, countless demonic beasts awaited, ready to be slain, offering endless opportunities to gain experience and level up.

"Bang bang."

"Is Mr. Chiang in?"

While deep in thought, Chiang Xie was startled by the sound of Xiao Xuner knocking at his door. He promptly rose and opened it.

"Hmm? Aren't you with your brother Xiao Yan? What brings you to me?" Chiang Xie curiously inquired upon seeing Xiao Xuner alone.

Xiao Xuner's cheeks flushed at the question. She then lit the Dragon Santal Incense before explaining the task Xiao Ning had entrusted to her.

Chiang Xie listened and furrowed his brow. There had to be a scheme behind this—what man who had been embarrassed would offer an apology so shamelessly?

Just then, Chiang Xie caught a whiff of an unusual scent, and suddenly, he felt an overwhelming sensation. His body reacted strongly, and before he knew it, he was bleeding from the nose!

"Mr. Chiang, are you alright?" Xiao Xuner asked with concern, noticing Chiang Xie's sudden nosebleed.

The strange fragrance had already ignited a fierce desire within Chiang Xie, and hearing Xiao Xuner's gentle voice only intensified his lack of control, prompting him to seize her hand.

"What are you doing?" Xiao Xuner exclaimed, a chill emanating from her as she sensed Chiang Xie's abnormal state.

Chiang Xie held her hand firmly, his face beet-red with temptation. Xiao Xuner seemed to realize the gravity of the situation and quickly tried to pull away, but Chiang Xie drew her back, surprising her with his superior strength.

"You... You... Sister," Chiang Xie muttered, barely able to speak, before finally releasing Xiao Xuner. Then, with a surge of Profound Energy, he obliterated the Dragon Santal Incense nearby.

Suddenly feeling a bit more lucid, he quickly turned to Xiao Xuner and urged, "Get out of here! I'm not in the mood for a soap opera scene!"

Chiang Xie was aware that if Xiao Xuner didn't leave, he might end up pinning her to the bed...

Xiao Xuner was no fool; she realized that the Dragon Santal Incense was an aphrodisiac! Though concerned for Chiang Xie, she knew staying would only make things harder for him.

But as she tried to leave, she discovered the door had been sealed by a magical formation! It wasn't a particularly advanced one, yet it wasn't something that could be easily broken either.

Chiang Xie, growing impatient with Xiao Xuner's delay, barked, "Why haven't you left yet?"

"The door's been sealed by a formation..." Xiao Xuner replied with a wry smile.

"Crack!"

A bolt of golden lightning blasted the door, shattering it instantly.

"Nonsense, you're just looking for an excuse to hook up with me! What formation at the door?" Chiang Xie had never imagined his first use of the Thunderous Cannon would be so effective.

"..."

Who wants to hook up with you? Wasn't the formation destroyed by you? Can't you be any more shameless?

Aside from deeming Chiang Xie shameless, Xiao Xuner was silently astounded by his power. To obliterate a low-level formation in one hit was on par with the might of a Golden Core Stage cultivator.

It was all too deceptive. She had believed his claim of being at Foundation Stage Level 9, but the strength he was now displaying was unmistakably that of the Golden Core Stage.

"Mr. Chiang, I will go find Mr. Xiao to treat you..." After a moment's hesitation, Xiao Xuner decided to leave. She realized she was of no help in this situation.

Chiang Xie managed a weak smile, "Hurry... What's coming next is not for young viewers."

"...Okay."

Chiang Xie then engaged in a form of exercise commonly practiced on Earth. I'll leave it to your imagination... Ultimately, he took care of the problem himself!

Did you think the heroine had to show up to fix things? Did you expect Xiao Yan to be cuckolded?

Certainly not! There's no room for conspiracy in Chiang Xie's world!

It took a while for him to regain his composure before he made his way to Xiao Ning's room. There, he discovered the fellow still humming a tune in the midst of his bath, likely waiting for him and Xiao Xuner to finish their business.

Without a sound, he unleashed a burst of Profound Energy, rendering his target unconscious. He then produced one of the three bars of soap gifted by the system—the tiger whip soap!

In a fit of revenge, he vigorously applied the tiger whip soap to Xiao Ning, hoisted him up, and swiftly departed from the Xiao family's residence.

Before long, he reached a secluded village and located a pigsty brimming with sows, where he unceremoniously dumped Xiao Ning.

Touching his nose, Chiang Xie flashed a smile as bright as the sun, musing, "I'm curious whether your grandfather will notice the trail I've left behind. And just to set the record straight—conspiracies? They simply don't exist in my book!"