In Xianxia With The Investment Return System, Starting My Journey by taking Demon Empress as a Disciple (Patreon)

Chapter 98: Leng Yanran's Ascension to Empress! It Must Be So

"Ahem... Bigger is good, but bigger can hurt... hurt people."

Chen Daoxuan cleared his throat lightly upon hearing the disciples' remarks.

"Right, take this Great Compassion Mantra: Requiem Chapter with you. At the Heavenly Dao Hall, we always strive to start and finish things properly."

With a casual wave, Chen Daoxuan spent 20 system points to redeem two copies of the Great Compassion Mantra: Requiem Chapter from the system store, tossing one to each disciple.

Although this low-level spell for rebirth could be learned by both from just one copy, he didn’t mind the cost—10 system points per book was nothing to him now.

During their trip to the Eastern Region, just dealing with the remnants of the Ren family alone was likely to bring him another fortune. Additionally, once Scarlet Cloud settled matters in the Northern Region, the steady influx of hundreds of thousands to millions of system points each year would make small expenditures like this insignificant.

Rebirth was a big deal, after all.

In Chen Daoxuan's eyes, every enemy who died by his hand—or by his disciples'—was undoubtedly a great benefactor. These individuals sacrificed their lives to bring him system points, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of affection for them.

To honor their sacrifice, it was only fitting to properly perform rebirth rituals for these great benefactors. Afterward, their ashes could be scattered to nourish the plants, helping them accumulate their final bit of merit.

"Master, we are ready," Leng Yanran said as she and Li Yurong returned from the main hall, carrying a few personal items. During this time, Chen Daoxuan had also spent some system points to redeem a few outfits for Li Yurong, storing them in the Spirit Pool Hall.

"Go then, and remember my instructions."

Chen Daoxuan gave a slight nod, saying no more.

"Yes, Master. Your disciple will remember your words!"

Leng Yanran paused briefly, realizing her master was reminding her to leave no survivors—and not even corpses—when taking action, right?

"Time to play!!!"

Li Yurong cheered excitedly and tugged her senior sister along, heading down the mountain. In no time, the Heavenly Dao Hall was once again quiet, leaving only Chen Daoxuan and the Enlightenment Tea Tree for company.

"Remember, above all else, prioritize your safety."

"Sigh, I haven’t finished speaking, and they’re already gone. Such impatient disciples," Chen Daoxuan muttered as he noticed their absence. Shaking his head, he reclined on the Dao Comprehension chair and drifted into a deep sleep.

<+>

Leaving the Void Mountain of the Northern Region for the Eastern Region, the two disciples traveled leisurely. Especially for Li Yurong, who had rarely seen the world beyond the mountain, every scene was a novelty.

They alternated between traveling and sightseeing, which meant it would take them over half a month to reach their destination.

Meanwhile, Scarlet Cloud had already arrived at the Leng family in Moro Kingdom within half a day.

<+>

Leng Family, Council Hall

"Senior, you say you were sent by Lady Yanran’s esteemed master?"

"What instructions does the senior have for us?"

Leng Zhan, the family head, stood respectfully to the side, addressing Scarlet Cloud seated in the main chair.

Since the day Leng Yanran single-handedly crushed the Luo Heaven Sect, she had severed ties with the Leng family. Yet, her actions had brought endless benefits to the family. Within the Moro Kingdom, the Leng family now enjoyed treatment comparable to the royal family.

Even Emperor Wu Feiyang of Moro Kingdom often consulted the Leng family on major decisions.

"What the Hall Master intends to do is not for lowly subordinates like us to question."

"By the way, where is this Moro Kingdom’s emperor? Why hasn’t he arrived yet?"

Scarlet Cloud, uninterested in lengthy explanations, leaned back lazily. However, out of respect for the Miss (Leng Yanran), he refrained from being too rude to the Leng family.

With his Boundless Realm cultivation, sweeping through the Northern Region would be no issue, let alone dealing with a mere emperor in this tiny Moro Kingdom.

"Emperor of Moro Kingdom, Wu Feiyang, greets Senior Scarlet Cloud Master!"

Just as Scarlet Cloud grew impatient and was about to personally fetch the emperor from the palace, a resonant voice rang out.

Wu Feiyang entered the hall with measured steps, standing tall as he respectfully cupped his hands toward Scarlet Cloud, who was seated on the main chair.

"Scarlet Cloud Master is no more. I am merely a servant of the Heavenly Dao Hall—Scarlet Cloud," Scarlet Cloud corrected, raising an eyebrow.

"Understood. Greetings, Senior Scarlet Cloud. May I ask the reason for your visit to my insignificant Moro Kingdom? I will do my utmost to assist," Wu Feiyang replied deferentially, not daring to posture in the presence of a mighty Boundless Realm cultivator capable of sweeping through the Northern Region.

Hearing this, Scarlet Cloud stroked his chin in thought.

Although the Hall Master had simply instructed him to unify the Northern Region's forces, he hadn't provided any detailed plans.

This must be a test, Scarlet Cloud mused.

Since it was a test, he resolved to handle the task flawlessly.

The Hall Master, a being akin to a celestial immortal, likely had no interest in fame or fortune. Using the Master's name to consolidate these forces would tarnish such a lofty status.

But if Scarlet Cloud were to act in his own name, that might not be entirely appropriate either.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck him.

The First Miss (Leng Yanran) hails from the Northern Region—why not act in her name?

Scarlet Cloud's eyes lit up. This plan was perfect.

He could use the First Miss's name to unify the Northern Region, while also spreading her fame, which would undoubtedly please the Hall Master. A flawless solution!

Scarlet Cloud's plan took shape.

"From this day forward, the Northern Region will be under the governance of Leng Yanran, the direct disciple of the Heavenly Dao Hall's Hall Master."

"She shall be honored as the Empress of the Northern Region. Henceforth, all forces within the Northern Region must contribute 20% of their natural treasures annually in exchange for the Heavenly Dao Hall's protection."

"Notify all third-tier sects and above, as well as the capitals of the Northern Region, immediately," Scarlet Cloud declared with a stern expression, speaking one deliberate word at a time to the Leng family and the present Wu Feiyang.

For a moment, everyone in the hall was stunned. But soon, the Leng family broke into joy.

Even though Leng Yanran had severed ties with the Leng family, the wider world was unaware of this. If Leng Yanran ascended as the Empress of the Northern Region, wouldn’t the Leng family naturally become the preeminent family of the region?

"Rest assured, my lord. The Leng family will handle this promptly!"

Before Wu Feiyang could respond, Leng Zhan dropped to one knee and accepted the task with fervor.

"You have no objections, do you?" Scarlet Cloud asked, turning his gaze to Wu Feiyang, who had remained silent.

"This..."

"No, this junior has no objections. However, while the Northern Region's strength may not be overwhelming, its factions are chaotic. It might be challenging to gain unanimous acceptance," Wu Feiyang said after a moment of hesitation. While Leng Yanran's ascension to Empress could also benefit him, he voiced his concerns.

"Hmph. That is not your concern," Scarlet Cloud snorted coldly.

"I may be a mere servant of the Heavenly Dao Hall, but in the Northern Region..." He chuckled, leaving his statement hanging ominously.

Scarlet Cloud was determined to execute this task flawlessly, safeguarding the reputation of the Heavenly Dao Hall. Should anyone oppose, well, the Hall Master’s rebirth mantra would ensure they were sent off appropriately.

And so, without her knowledge, Leng Yanran—still journeying leisurely toward the Eastern Region with her junior sister—was crowned the Empress of the Northern Region.