[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary":3,"chapter-an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-426":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","An Improper Monster Girl's Transformation Diary",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2312355,4517,"Chapter 426: How Could That Be, Haha (Request Subscription)","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-426",426,"\u003Cp>「……」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the solitary demi-plane filled with ancient texts, the last keeper sat quietly on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash Bishop Ophidia lowered her head, half-closing her eyes, in a state bordering on meditation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was not daydreaming—she was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, Ophidia had another dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, she “dreamed” of that unexpected person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two did nothing special—merely stood side by side, sitting quietly in the demi-plane reading books.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the entire dream, neither spoke a word, yet she felt a spiritual resonance with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Herbert… why you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had she dreamed of him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Ophidia, Herbert was merely the most interesting among countless promising juniors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, she felt no emotion toward him beyond “expectation”—she shouldn’t have dreamed of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, his figure appeared in her dreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather—was that truly a dream?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since taking on their burden and becoming this way, she had not dreamed for many years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In dreams, only endless knowledge tormented her soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After growing accustomed to the noisy nightmares of the past, this long-absent quiet dream stood out vividly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waking, she felt confused, wondering if she had been dragged once more into Herbert’s dream… but she knew it wasn’t true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the first time was because of that potion, what caused this second occurrence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That had clearly been his dream—why had she become the one trapped within it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this reason, Ophidia had been pondering the reason all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where had things gone wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What exactly had caused this situation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mmm hmm hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She concentrated all her focus on thought, unaware someone was slowly approaching her demi-plane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when the visitor actively sent a request to enter did she snap back to awareness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here he comes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She opened the passage and said coolly to the person outside: “You’re here? I thought you’d wait longer… hmm? Who are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before her, Rust Nail Bishop, who had just entered the demi-plane and was about to step forward and bow, froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eh!!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rust Nail Bishop: ?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rust Nail Bishop, who had come to report to the Keeper, was momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shit… did I do something wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know whether to step forward or pull back his foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tone suggested the Keeper was not in a good mood… did I come at the wrong time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—was it the wrong moment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I not have come?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated, standing on one foot, and asked weakly: “My Lord… uh… should I not have come? Are you waiting for someone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was she waiting for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rust Nail Bishop felt awkward—but one person in the room felt even more awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia showed no outward movement, but clenched her teeth tightly inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shit!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could she have done something so foolish?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could she have so casually assumed the visitor was Herbert?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had grown too lax—this carelessness was unacceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, the real problem wasn’t even here… this was just a minor issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true major problem was—why had she so casually assumed Herbert would come to her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had she believed he would surely face her directly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if that coward chose to hide?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia maintained her calm exterior, but her mind raced wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her strange silence made Rust Nail Bishop even more uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Keeper is silent… did I say something wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did I do something wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Ophidia had said nothing, he was already drenched in sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long pause, Rust Nail Bishop finally regained his composure and asked slowly: “My Lord?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My Lord, look at me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether you kill me or spare me, just say something!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tell me what I did wrong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t keep me hanging like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Give me a quick answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Rust Nail Bishop’s timid call, Ophidia finally snapped back, paused, then said coolly: “No, nothing… hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She fell silent again, then slowly shook her head, offering no explanation, and moved on: “Speak. What brings you here? Again about the candidates?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phew!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though curious about why the Keeper was upset, Rust Nail Bishop seized the chance to breathe and did not press further—he simply nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, this is one of the two matters I must report to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon returning to serious matters, Ophidia resumed her usual calmness, raising an eyebrow: “Didn’t I already tell you? Let your own group decide—whoever you choose.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, then realized Rust Nail Bishop’s visit must conceal something, and frowned: “Has something gone wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are minor issues, but I’ve already chosen the final candidate. I hope you can offer some advice,” Rust Nail Bishop said with great humility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speak. Who did you choose? Though I can already guess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia tilted her head, teasing: “Someone so ordinary wouldn’t make a rigid fellow like you hesitate and come to ask me—must be someone unusual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it Herbert?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though phrased as a question, Ophidia already had over ninety percent certainty of the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she felt strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert had already been mentioned once before—she had given advice then—why come again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, the final choice is still Herbert.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rust Nail Bishop nodded slowly, his voice grave: “But he has a small issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of issue?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His power level… doesn’t match our original expectations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power level?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Ophidia grew even more confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was wrong with Herbert’s power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t we already say to send a high-rank cultivator below Legend?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t Herbert exactly suited for that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t have been severely injured and dropped to mid-rank, could he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be too coincidental… she strongly suspected he was faking illness to avoid going.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait—could there be another possibility?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If his power hadn’t dropped, then it must have—risen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ascended?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia suddenly realized another possibility, her eyes widening in shock: “Wait! You mean… Herbert has ascended to Legend?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing she finally understood, Rust Nail Bishop exhaled in relief and nodded slowly: “Yes. He has successfully ascended to Legend, but now he no longer fits our original concept of a messenger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former Herbert was a perfect candidate—but now, he no longer meets our prior requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cannot express the Mist Monastery’s measured discontent toward the Sun Church.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yet despite this, I still wish for Herbert to serve as the envoy for this journey to the Sun Church. He is young and well-suited to endure such trials and witness the true power of a divine church.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it may seem slightly unfair to others, Bishop Rustnail, as a high-ranking official, both from a strategic perspective and personal preference, believes the opportunity should be given to those who need it most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, Herbert is the best candidate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is the most promising among them; good resources should naturally be directed toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though sending a Legend might make our stance less clear and lead the Sun Church to believe we are yielding, this minor drawback is negligible compared to the benefits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I still hope you will understand my position and allow Herbert to become the envoy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After expressing his thoughts, Bishop Rustnail suddenly noticed the Ashen Bishop’s shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Could it be... Your Grace did not know about this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You didn’t know?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bishop Rustnail was surprised—he had assumed the Grand Bishop had already informed the Ashen Bishop, yet these two had clearly not communicated beforehand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this news, the Ashen Bishop fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news was too sudden; it left her mind momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert... a Legend?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this real?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half a minute of shock, Ophidia finally came to her senses and shook her head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He really is surprising...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprising, yet not entirely so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpected, yet perfectly reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was reasonable because she had always been certain Herbert would one day enter the Legend realm; she never once thought he would be stuck before it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unexpected because it came far sooner than she had anticipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...The last time I saw him, he had not yet become a Legend. What happened after that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because of the [Noise and Silence]?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though lacking concrete evidence, the Ashen Bishop’s first instinct was that Herbert had gained a blessing during this trial and successfully ascended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truth likely did not differ much from this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After piecing it together, Ophidia still offered no further explanation to Bishop Rustnail, simply nodding calmly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine. I agree. Do as you wish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had no special requirements for the envoy’s strength; whether he was a Legend or not mattered little—as long as the Mist Monastery’s stance was clear, everything else was irrelevant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To a Shi Shi-level powerhouse like herself, a newly ascended Legend Holy Knight and a Gao Jie peak cultivator were essentially the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were minor pests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about the other matter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After receiving her approval, Bishop Rustnail exhaled and continued: \"The second matter also concerns Herbert.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After he ascended to Legend Holy Knight, the Grand Bishop contacted me and instructed me to gather materials.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Grand Bishop wishes to hold a Sacred Baptism ceremony for Herbert one month from now, and will personally preside over it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ophidia raised an eyebrow, teasing: \"Personally preside? That old thing really favors him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That old thing doesn’t even try to hide his favoritism toward that boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doesn’t he fear others will be hurt?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm... well, he truly doesn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the strongest in the entire Mist Monastery—and indeed one of the pinnacle powers of the mortal realm—the Grand Bishop need not consider anyone else’s thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He acts as he pleases, without restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as he does not cross his own inner line, others’ opinions are irrelevant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, I understand. I’ll cooperate. Send me a list later—I’ll compile some of the materials.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With both matters approved, Bishop Rustnail did not linger and promptly took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though I don’t know which Lord she’s waiting for, it’s best to leave quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Bishop Rustnail was rigid and cold, he was no Bai Chi—he knew the longer he stayed, the more the Ashen Bishop would resent him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thirty-six strategies, escape is best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gone, gone. The Lord’s affairs are none of my concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he left the semi-plane, he had not gone far when he saw the white-haired youth walking toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Knight-Captain, are you here to see the Keeper?\" Herbert greeted him with a bright smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Herbert, Bishop Rustnail regarded him with a sigh, sensing the difference in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Herbert concealed himself well and still appeared to be only Gao Jie level, now that he knew the truth, he could detect subtle distinctions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, Herbert, I must congratulate you... hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish, he paused suddenly, realizing something, and asked suspiciously: \"Are you here to see the Keeper too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I have urgent news to report to her. I must take my leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbert smiled, offered no further explanation, gave a simple farewell, and departed naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, alright. We’ll talk later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he longed to ask Herbert about the details of his ascension, since the youth had a legitimate reason, Bishop Rustnail did not obstruct him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Bishop Rustnail was about to step away, he halted, turned back thoughtfully, and stared at Herbert’s calm retreating back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s going to see the Keeper?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is the Lord... waiting for him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could that be possible?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood there, thinking for a long time, then finally... nodded firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It can’t be!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Keeper is waiting for him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head repeatedly at his own thought, laughing bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could that be? Hah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the semi-plane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Herbert entered, he shouted loudly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ophidia!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m here!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashen Bishop: ???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shut up!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1928,"2026-06-20T12:31:07.945Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4ea84ecbfa9cf7fbfab868446b69ba8998a551749a786830aa4b934589f02d88","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-427","an-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-chapter-425",453,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fan-improper-monster-girl-s-transformation-diary-cover.jpg"]