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

Chapter 100: Rewarded with the Karmic Artifact, Imperial Seal 

After the third day, there were no longer any disagreements among the factions in the Northern Region.

As for the three major sects, only two remained.

The Hong Guang Sect had completely vanished from the Northern Region.

“You might not know, but that Boundless Realm master is actually a Buddhist cultivator.”

“That day, I was near the Hong Guang Sect. Although I couldn’t see what happened, I heard chants of sutras echoing from within the sect and even faintly saw Buddhist light appearing.”

“Perhaps the Hong Guang Sect was entirely enlightened by that Boundless Realm master. Overcome with guilt, they must have relocated out of the Northern Region!”

In a teahouse, several cultivators discussed the mysterious disappearance of the Hong Guang Sect over drinks.

“Oh?”

“But if the Hong Guang Sect moved, why did they flatten the entire mountain? Did they take it with them?”

“I went to the Hong Guang Sect today to investigate and found the entire area leveled—nothing but barren ground!”

Another chimed in.

The disappearance of the Hong Guang Sect became the talk of the Northern Region.

Only at the Po Yuan Temple did Abbot Kong Kai sigh deeply upon hearing of the chanting and Buddhist light that had been reported from the Hong Guang Sect.

“These people still don’t understand that master’s methods...”

“They weren’t enlightened and relocated; the entire sect was transcended.”

Kongkai had personally witnessed that master’s transcendence ritual outside a secret realm and knew exactly what it entailed.

<+>

The Leng Family

“Absorbing the blood essence of the entire Hong Guang Sect didn’t increase my cultivation much.”

“Ah, such a pity. If the remaining sects had resisted, I might have been able to break through another layer!”

“The Hall Master is such a kind-hearted person. If not for his instructions, I wouldn’t have bothered to offer them transcendence.”

Scarlet Cloud opened his blood-red eyes after completing his cultivation.

“At least now, the First Miss’s position as the Northern Region’s Empress is fully recognized. All the factions have agreed to pay 20% of their annual revenue as tribute.”

“With this, the Hall Master’s mission has been completed to perfection!”

Scarlet Cloud allowed himself a satisfied smile at the thought.

However, he wasn’t in a hurry to return to the mountain. Instead, he stayed in the Northern Region, providing his Boundless Realm protection in exchange for the tribute. If something was beyond his capabilities, the Heavenly Dao Hall would handle it.

As for the annihilation of the Hong Guang Sect, Scarlet Cloud paid it no mind. In this world, might made right.

Had he followed through with his original plan after escaping the secret realm, his first act would have been to sacrifice every living being in the Northern Region to further his power.

Compared to that, the Hall Master’s approach—collecting tribute while offering protection—was exceedingly merciful.

<+>

In Front of the Heavenly Dao Hall

Chen Daoxuan had already heard the system notification about the annihilation of the Hong Guang Sect but didn’t dwell on it. It merely earned him a few thousand system points.

Since Scarlet Cloud was now part of the Heavenly Dao Hall, any enemies he killed also generated rewards.

To Chen Daoxuan, reorganizing the Northern Region at the cost of one or two sects was acceptable. Scarlet Cloud’s methods seemed appropriate.

However, a sudden notification left Chen Daoxuan momentarily stunned.

[Ding! The host’s first disciple, Leng Yanran, has ascended as the Northern Region’s Empress. Karmic Artifact: Imperial Seal awarded. +10,000 system points.]

“Northern Region’s Empress?”

“Wasn’t Yanran headed to the Eastern Region? How did she become the Northern Region’s Empress?”

“Hiss... Could this be Scarlet Cloud’s doing?”

After pondering for a moment, Chen Daoxuan focused on the jade pendants of his two disciples. Both were indeed heading to the Eastern Region and hadn’t stayed in the Northern Region.

Casually taking out the Imperial Seal for a closer look, Chen Daoxuan quickly lost interest and put it away, deciding to gift it to Leng Yanran when she returned.

Though also a Karmic Artifact, the Imperial Seal paled in comparison to his Hongmeng Ruler, failing to excite him.

As for how Leng Yanran’s title as Empress came about, he’d question Scarlet Cloud when he returned. For now, the additional 10,000 system points made his sleep all the sweeter.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

The sudden emergence of a Northern Region Empress quickly spread, with even neighboring regions like the Eastern and Western Regions abuzz with discussion.

"Senior Sister, aren’t you from the Northern Region?"

"How dare someone proclaim themselves Empress there? If you ask me, only you, Senior Sister, are worthy of that title!"

"But don’t worry, when we return to the Northern Region, I’ll give that so-called Empress a good beating!"

At this moment, Leng Yanran and Li Yurong had already arrived in the Eastern Region. Hearing the rumors, Li Yurong indignantly waved her tiny fists in the air.

"It’s no matter. The so-called Northern Region Empress is nothing but a clown."

"Do you know where the Ren Family is? Let’s focus on completing Master’s task first."

Leng Yanran’s expression remained indifferent. She showed no concern for someone claiming the title of Northern Region Empress, her tone carrying a hint of disdain.

"Well, I’ve never left the mountain, so I don’t know where the Ren Family is..."

"How about we find an inn first and enjoy some roasted chicken, duck, goose, braised pork..."

"Um, I mean, we can ask for information about the Ren Family at the inn."

Li Yurong’s mouth watered as she spoke, her bright eyes brimming with hope as she looked at her Senior Sister.

Sigh...

"If you’re hungry, just say so."

"Fine, that’s a reasonable plan. Let’s go."

Leng Yanran sighed helplessly, seeing through Yurong’s intentions with a single glance.

Still, ever since Yurong started cultivating the technique given by their Master, she seemed to be getting smarter.

Although her current plan clearly stemmed from hunger, the fact that she thought of gathering information at an inn was already an impressive leap for her!

Before long, the two of them arrived at a city and chose an inn.

Even though Leng Yanran wore a light veil to cover her face, countless eyes still followed her along the way.

Finally, Leng Yanran released a surge of killing intent. While some might have harbored inappropriate thoughts, none dared to approach her.

Survival instincts proved stronger than temptation!

"Boss, bring us a menu!"

As soon as they entered, Li Yurong waved her hand grandly and called out.

"Of course, esteemed fairies. Here’s the menu. Please have a look."

The waiter noticed their extraordinary presence, recognizing them as cultivators. A single tip of spirit stone from them could surpass years of his wages.

"No need to look. Didn’t I say? Bring a menu—and we’ll take one of everything on it!"

Li Yurong didn’t bother to glance at the menu, repeating her request. She even gave the waiter a look as if he were foolish, wondering if he might not be too bright.

"Do as she says. Whatever’s left after the bill, keep it as your tip."

Leng Yanran massaged her temples, exasperated, before pulling a spirit stone from her storage pouch and tossing it over.