C5 I Yan Di Am the Strongest Villain in This World

"What did you say?" Although Xiao Yan didn't quite catch what was said, the phrase "Fuck you" visibly upset him, prompting a curt response.

Xiao Xuner's brow furrowed as well. She hadn't expected Chiang Xie to insult her brother Xiao Yan. Suddenly, a formidable presence emanated from her, revealing that she too was at Foundation Stage Level 9.

Chiang Xie was taken aback. Xiao Xuner was only fourteen, yet she had already attained Foundation Stage Level 9. And Chiang Xie, familiar with the story, was aware that she was concealing her true level of cultivation.

Despite his surprise, Chiang Xie knew he had to maintain his ruse. After a brief pause, he asserted, "Xiao Yan reached Foundation Stage Level 4 at the age of four, achieved Foundation Stage Level 9 by ten, and entered the Profound Energy Stage at eleven. Am I correct?"

Chiang Xie had confirmed these details through the system. The Foundation Stage was akin to the Battle Qi in Battle Through the Heavens, and the Profound Energy Stage was comparable to the Dou Zhe.

"Are you from Wutan City?" Anyone from Wutan City would know of Xiao Yan's once-celebrated talent.

Chiang Xie shook his head, "No, I'm from the neighboring city, but that's beside the point. What matters is that I know the real reason why you plummeted from the Profound Energy Stage to Foundation Stage Level 3."

Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuner were both startled by his claim. Xiao Zhan had consulted every alchemist in Wutan City without discovering the cause of Xiao Yan's issue.

Alchemists from surrounding cities had been questioned as well, all to no avail. Now, a teenager roughly their age claimed to have the answer, which seemed far-fetched.

Sensing their skepticism, Chiang Xie elaborated, "The root of the problem is that the heavens decided you weren't fit for cultivation and thus stripped you of your talent!"

At these words, Xiao Yan shuddered, rooted to the spot, and murmured in a daze, "Could that really be the case?"

Perhaps Chiang Xie was right; maybe the heavens had indeed taken away his Profound Energy and talent. How else could one explain such an eerie phenomenon, with his cultivation base plummeting overnight?

Yet, Xiao Yan was the protagonist through and through. Shaking off a brief moment of distraction, he regained his composure and declared resolutely, "Whether the heavens have stripped me of my cultivation or not... I, Xiao Yan, refuse to concede defeat."

Xiao Yan was a man of both pride and responsibility. No matter the cause, he was determined to restore his cultivation, no matter the cost.

Chiang Xie had a good idea of Xiao Yan's thoughts but wasn't about to stop his attempts at persuasion.

With a sudden shift from anger to laughter, he challenged Xiao Yan, "Having pride and backbone is commendable, but don't be stubborn to the point of selfishness! Do you realize how your father feels, watching you engage in futile efforts every day?"

"Do you honestly believe that your father will stop being mistreated once you regain your cultivation? Have you considered whether that's even a concern for him? What he truly desires is for you to completely let go and live a life of peace!"

Xiao Yan was utterly stunned by these words, frozen in place, his fists clenched so tightly that blood began to seep out.

Was he really expected to surrender? To meekly accept his lot in life, content to live out his days as a failure?

Beside him, Xiao Xuner expressed her concern, "Brother Xiao Yan, are you okay?"

Xiao Yan gave a weak nod to reassure her, then turned to Chiang Xie and asked, "So, what do you suggest I do?"

Chiang Xie, seeing Xiao Yan take the bait, let out a silent breath of relief. He had been on the verge of running out of bluffs, but he needed to see this through.

"The answer is simple. Abandon martial arts and join the entertainment industry!" he proclaimed. With Xiao Yan's charisma and looks, he could easily outshine those heartthrobs.

Though Xiao Yan was unfamiliar with the concept of the entertainment industry, the idea of abandoning martial arts for such a pursuit left him at a loss for words. In a world where strength was paramount, to suggest he leave the path of martial arts was like asking him to abandon light for shadow.

It's well known that the Profound Sky Continent has always been dominated by cultivators. Scholars and poets, on the other hand, have virtually no prospects. So why would Xiao Yan ever consider abandoning martial arts to pursue a career in literature?

At that moment, Chiang Xie cleared his throat and said earnestly, "Every profession produces its own leading authorities. Engaging in literature can also enable you to command a group of powerful individuals to serve you. Don't you think that's more prestigious than engaging in combat yourself?"

Chiang Xie wasn't deceiving Xiao Yan. Back on Earth, he had seen firsthand how formidable the bodyguards of high-profile celebrities could be. Against someone like him, a single punch could render him incapable of self-care for life.

Yet Xiao Yan was perplexed. Was he to believe that a mere scholar, unarmed and unassuming, could lead a group of warriors? That seemed utterly preposterous.

"You're about to turn sixteen, aren't you?" Chiang Xie observed Xiao Yan's youthful features and could tell he was not yet as old as his current body.

"...Yes, that's correct." Xiao Yan nodded, puzzled by the sudden inquiry about his age.

"Does the Xiao family have a rule that if someone doesn't reach Foundation Stage Level 7 by the age of sixteen, they must leave the clan?" Chiang Xie probed.

He had seen Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuner, both younger than his current self, and had been in Wutan City, leading him to surmise that this was the start of Battle Through the Heavens.

Sure enough, Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with complexity before he responded, "How did you know that?"

"Don't worry about how I found out. Just know that if you give up martial arts and join the literary world, I can ensure you won't have to leave your family."

"And I'll make everyone see you in a new light. If I can't make it happen within a month, you can deal with me as you see fit!" Chiang Xie finished, exhaling in relief. He had said all that needed to be said; now it was up to Xiao Yan to make his choice.

To Chiang Xie's surprise, Xiao Yan hesitated only briefly before replying, "I'll join the literary circle. But if I still have to leave the family after a month, I'll start my cultivation anew, even if there's no hope."

Since Xiao Yan had agreed, Chiang Xie decided to offer him some perks to ensure he'd join the Romance of the Three Kingdoms circle with peace of mind. In a tone of pure innocence, he suggested to Xiao Yan, "Come on! Let's take a bath together, and you can help me pick up the soap."

Chiang Xie's intentions were not romantic; he simply wanted Xiao Yan to try out the system-provided beauty soap. Xiao Yan was already quite handsome, but Chiang Xie believed there's no such thing as too much charm.

So, with Xiao Yan and Xiao Xuner wearing expressions of resignation, they went off to bathe. Xiao Xuner, of course, was not included in this activity.

A quarter of an hour later, the two men emerged from their bath, and Xiao Xuner, usually so elegant and composed, couldn't help but gawk at Xiao Yan, her gaze fixed on him. Chiang Xie was completely overshadowed.

But Chiang Xie wasn't bothered, because Xiao Yan, after using the beauty soap, was simply too stunning. His skin, once somewhat dark, was now as tender and pale as a baby's, and his features had refined, making him look almost like a different person.

Chiang Xie hadn't anticipated such impressive results from the beauty soap. He was relieved he hadn't used it himself; otherwise, he'd be too irresistible.

"Are you... Xiao Yan's big brother?" Xiao Xuner asked incredulously, unable to fathom how a bath could result in such a dramatic transformation.

Before Xiao Yan could respond, Chiang Xie jumped in, "Yes, he's your brother Xiao Yan. Don't you think he could make a living off his looks now? Forget about cultivation."

It's like saying, why rely on talent when you have the looks to get by?

Xiao Xuner was dumbfounded. Indeed, the Xiao Yan before her could even astonish the scholars of Wutan City, a place that had never seen such a handsome youth.

Xiao Yan had caught a glimpse of his dashing reflection in the mirror while bathing and had realized that Chiang Xie might indeed convince him to stay away from the Xiao family.

Now, seeing Xiao Xuner's smitten expression, he was overjoyed. He brushed back his hair and, with a fist salute to Chiang Xie, declared, "Mr. Chiang, I'll be in your debt from now on, and I can't thank you enough."

Chiang Xie nodded quickly, yet inwardly he couldn't resist scoffing. Why the gratitude? Don't you realize you're increasingly resembling the Flame Emperor?

But it's all the same, isn't it? If not the Flame Emperor, then why not the Face Emperor? Either way works! If Xiao Yan were to catch wind of his future accomplishments, he'd surely tear Chiang Xie to shreds. The same, my foot!