The Shangguan Family, Innate Marrow

Wang City.

In a secluded mansion steeped in historical ambiance.

Two figures walked side by side through the courtyard.

The courtyard was filled with various precious flowers and trees, evergreen throughout the seasons, with fragrance wafting through the air.

In the center of the courtyard stood an exquisite artificial mountain, with flowing water adding an elegant touch.

One of the figures carried herself haughtily, sneering at the person beside her: "Shangguan Chuxue, you really do have too much leisure time."

"Father expelled you from the main family, and here you are, entertaining yourself."

"I hear you tend to all these flowers and plants by yourself?"

The woman in white robes beside her responded with a graceful smile: "I just tend to them casually in my spare time."

"But dear sister, what brings you to visit me today?"

As the words fell.

The haughty woman let out a cold laugh: "Sister? Hah, Shangguan Chuxue, shut your mouth."

"I, the martial arts prodigy of the Shangguan family, don't have a useless sister like you!"

"During the recent Wang City competition, I dominated everyone of our age. It's a pity you weren't there to see~"

Hearing this.

Shangguan Chuxue's expression remained unchanged, only smiling slightly as she said: "Xiao, since you possess the [Innate Essence], it's natural for you to surpass everyone."

This Innate Essence constitution was extremely rare, with only a handful of people throughout history possessing it.

Once obtained, the person would naturally have extraordinary cultivation talent - one could say that reaching the Peak Realm would only be their starting point!

Hearing her useless sister's flattery.

Shangguan Xiao lifted her head proudly, chuckling: "Good that you know. The Shangguan family is already disgraced enough by having a waste like you."

"But considering you're still part of the Shangguan family, that's why you were given a place to stay."

"You should be grateful. Also, I came to tell you that the International Warrior Corps selection tournament will begin soon."

Hearing this.

Shangguan Chuxue's eyes showed a hint of surprise as she asked: "The International Warrior Corps selection tournament?"

She muttered to herself: "Has that time come already?"

"So Xiao, why did you come to tell me this?"

She seemed genuinely unaware.

Seeing this, Shangguan Xiao's expression grew even more arrogant as she mocked: "I came to tell you that Long Jiuxiao, who broke off his engagement with you back then, will also participate in the International Warrior Corps selection tournament!"

"And... although he broke off the engagement with you, he... is now engaged to me."

"Shangguan Chuxue, bet you didn't expect that?"

"Back then, everyone in Wang City praised you two as a match made in heaven."

"But what a pity... you turned out to be useless."

"Don't worry though, Brother Jiuxiao will be with me, a super genius! I'll be cheering for him from the stands during the International Warrior Corps selection tournament!"

"Of course~ the title of [King of Warriors] will definitely go to my Brother Jiuxiao~"

"Hehe, seeing you living so pathetically makes me feel relieved. Goodbye~"

With that.

Shangguan Xiao left proudly.

However.

What she failed to notice was.

After her departure.

The previously smiling Shangguan Chuxue's expression gradually became extremely calm.

She chuckled lightly: "Still so stupid."

As she spoke, she gracefully walked to the flower bed, gently picking a flower while asking: "Have those two former [Kings of Warriors] been sent?"

As soon as the words fell.

Swoosh!

A black-robed figure instantly appeared and knelt on one knee: "Reporting to my lord, one has arrived at Su Bailian's place."

"The other has reached Jiang Xueqi's home."

The black-robed figure spoke with utmost respect.

As expected of my lord, to be able to turn two Kings of Warriors into pawns!

But... this kind of setup just for a Su Muwan...

He felt that perhaps his lord was overestimating that family's young mistress from such a small place.

Seemingly noticing the black-robed figure's thoughts, Shangguan Chuxue nodded and said: "Very good."

"But... Black One, don't underestimate Su Muwan."

"She managed to win over the War God's wife and daughter, see through Yuwen Hua's schemes, provoke the Divine Doctor causing him setbacks, and recently..."

She dropped the flower, her lips curling into a slight smile, her eyes showing interest: "She even provoked Dragon Tiger Mountain's talented external disciple, Suan Tianxing."

"Not only that, she sent her follower Qin Luo to snatch someone from the Song family's territory."

"And this was right before the Rakshasa King's release date, which means she deliberately provoked them, doesn't it?"

"Moreover, she's hidden the Dragon King of Dragon King Palace somewhere even I can't find."

At this point.

Shangguan Chuxue's tone became somewhat excited: "Haven't you noticed?"

"This Su Muwan is actually just like me! She's constantly seeking a worthy opponent!"

"That's why she keeps provoking all sorts of people."

"Su Muwan and I... are actually the same type of person!"

"Black One... this is the opponent I've been dreaming of!"

"If she can withstand the trials I've prepared for her in this International Warrior Corps selection tournament."

"Then..."

Shangguan Chuxue's lips curled into a smile, her eyes showing the excitement of a predator about to catch its prey: "I will seriously consider her as my true opponent!!"

Hearing this.

Black One belatedly broke out in cold sweat.

He hadn't realized it before, but now hearing his lord's explanation, he suddenly understood.

Indeed!

This Su Muwan... was truly meticulous!!

But! She surely couldn't compare to his lord!

After all... the entire Wang City had already been slowly infiltrated by his lord's arrangements!

Oh right!

Black One suddenly remembered something and mentioned: "Also my lord, that follower called Qin Luo is deeply favored by Su Muwan, perhaps we could use him as an entry point..."

Before he could finish.

Shangguan Chuxue shook her head with an amused smile: "Black One, oh Black One, when did you become as timid as Yuwen Hua?"

"So what if he's favored? He's still just a mere follower."

"This game of chess... is between Su Muwan and me."

"A mere follower can't make any waves. Don't mention that follower again in the future."

Hearing this, Black One respectfully replied: "Yes!"

Indeed, why would a mere follower deserve his lord's attention?

When the time comes, he himself could crush the other's cultivation and trample him underfoot!

As for Su Muwan...

Hehe.

You probably haven't even guessed that the follower who infiltrated Su Bailian's side is my lord's pawn, have you?

I really look forward to seeing you crushed under my lord's feet!!