[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl":3,"chapter-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-354":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Great Jin's Most Iron Rice Bowl",{"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},1897128,2531,"Chapter 354: Am I the Villain?","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-354",354,"\u003Cp>In Nanluo Lane of Xiuzheng Ward, the Hua family residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Creak~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi pushed open the courtyard gate and walked in; due to long-term neglect, the Hua family compound showed clear signs of decay, with weeds running wild in the yard and spiderwebs covering the eaves and wall corners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the courtyard where she was born become so desolate, a complex, indescribable emotion surged within Hua Changxi's heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After circling the Hua family courtyard once, Hua Changxi discovered that the simple defensive formation she had previously arranged had been destroyed; with a wave of her hand, over a hundred Fire Marrow Jades and Soul Crystals flew out together, and in an instant, the Hua family courtyard was enveloped within the Twelve Celestial Cycles Defensive Formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Twelve Celestial Cycles Defensive Formation is a fifth-grade formation she learned from Yan Zhenzhen; because arranging this formation requires the coordination of divine sense and spiritual power, and her strength had previously been limited, she had never been able to set it up for the Hua family courtyard until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This formation can withstand attacks from cultivators at the Spirit Platform realm and below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after the formation was set up, a cultivator attempted to rush into the Hua family courtyard but was rebounded and sent flying by the Twelve Celestial Cycles Defensive Formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the commotion, Hua Changxi's eyes sharpened; she strode out quickly, arriving just in time to see two Qi Sea realm cultivators helping a Core Formation cultivator to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These three had been sent by the Liang Duke Prefecture to monitor the Hua family residence; whenever there was any unusual movement at the Hua family courtyard, they were to report immediately to the Liang Duke Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Core Formation cultivator, Yin Xiu, was the illegitimate eldest son of the fifth branch of the Liang Duke Prefecture; assigned to guard the Hua family courtyard, he felt deeply unwilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the Liang Duke Prefecture still held some prestige, so no one deliberately came to cause trouble at the Hua family courtyard; for the past three years, life for him and his two collateral clansmen had not been too difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, the sun seemed to rise from the west; someone had actually broken into the Hua family courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Yin Xiu had been unable to break through the bottleneck of early Core Formation for a long time, fire had been smoldering in his heart; upon receiving news of an intruder at the Hua family courtyard, he had rushed over in a frantic hurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could have known that the Hua family courtyard would now possess an additional defensive formation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After being struck flying by the formation, Yin Xiu even felt his dantian vibrating; his previous fury instantly cooled, and cold sweat seeped down his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he hailed from a Duke's prefecture; even as an illegitimate son, he possessed some insight, and with just one contact, he recognized that this defensive formation was not simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he saw Hua Changxi, cold as ice and frost, walk out from the Hua family courtyard, his heart sank even further to the bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he did not know Hua Changxi and had never seen her before, he guessed her identity in the first instant: Hua! Chang! Xi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A terrifying wave of spiritual pressure surged forth; the two Qi Sea realm cultivators instantly collapsed to the ground. Yin Xiu, remembering he came from the Liang Duke Prefecture and that he must not disgrace its reputation, tried to grit his teeth and endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alas, under an absolute difference in realms, all effort was useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After holding on for a few seconds, Yin Xiu also collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi knew these three were merely following orders; she had no desire to bully the weak to demonstrate her own strength, so after issuing a warning, she withdrew her spiritual pressure and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"N-Ninth Lady?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Hua Changxi turned around, she saw many neighbors standing at their own doorways, staring at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person who spoke was precisely the auntie living next door to the Hua family courtyard, the very woman who had watched Hua Changxi grow up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi walked toward her, but she had only taken a single step when she saw the auntie retreat several steps in fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi frowned and stopped, looking out at the neighbors; to her shock, she realized that the eyes of the vast majority held traces of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were afraid of her!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This discovery caused Hua Changxi's heart to tremble violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was it like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the gaze of some neighbors, Hua Changxi's eyes landed on Yin Xiu and the other two, who were still lying on the ground gasping heavily; she seemed to realize something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, she did not understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, it was the Liang Duke Prefecture abusing its power to oppress the Hua family, even sending people to monitor the Hua family courtyard; although she had used spiritual pressure to warn those three, that was a legitimate counterattack, so why should the neighbors fear her? They acted as if she were the villain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi wanted to ask for clarification, but the words died on her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people were merely neighbors; to put it plainly, they were just a group of irrelevant individuals, so why should she care about them enough to let it affect her actions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without lingering further, Hua Changxi strode away from Nanluo Lane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not until Hua Changxi's figure had completely disappeared that Yin Xiu and the other two dared to help each other up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quick, send a message to the Heir Apparent; say that Hua Changxi has appeared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving Nanluo Lane, Hua Changxi went straight to the Dingyuan Count's Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as she stepped onto the street where the Count's Prefecture was located, she spotted a Nascent Soul realm cultivator sitting cross-legged in meditation inside a private room of the teahouse opposite the prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi was truly angered by the Liang Duke Prefecture's recklessness; with a wave of her hand, she directly used spiritual power to drag that Nascent Soul cultivator over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not until Yin Yunzhou had been forcibly brought right before Hua Changxi that he realized he had been attacked!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You, who are...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish his question, Yin Yunzhou guessed that the woman in red before him was Hua Changxi; he was both surprised by her sudden appearance and terrified by her shocking strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator; not only had he failed to detect Hua Changxi's arrival beforehand, but he also possessed absolutely no ability to resist her strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing the chill of fear in his heart, Yin Yunzhou spoke quickly: \"Within the capital city, cultivators are forbidden to fight; do you intend to violate the rules jointly established by the Imperial House and the Five Sacred Lands?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if in response to his words, a squad of sword-bearing Embroidered Uniform Guards hurried over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader of the Embroidered Uniform Guards was also a Nascent Soul cultivator; upon arriving, he looked sharply at Hua Changxi and Yin Yunzhou: \"We detected a fluctuation of spiritual power; were the two of you fighting?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Yunzhou was just about to say that Hua Changxi had attacked him, but the words barely reached his lips when he felt a sharp pain in his brain; raising his eyes, he met Hua Changxi's gaze, which was halfway between a smile and a sneer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No... no.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after Yin Yunzhou denied it did Hua Changxi speak: \"This fellow Daoist has worked hard and achieved much; seeing him so diligently staying motionless in the teahouse, I simply could not resist wanting to chat with him, that is all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Nascent Soul Embroidered Uniform Guard had come with a mission; he looked directly at Yin Yunzhou: \"Fellow Daoist, do not be afraid; with us here, if anyone truly attacked you, we will certainly ensure you receive justice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Yin Yunzhou could open his mouth, Hua Changxi's laughter rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked at the Embroidered Uniform Guard Nascent Soul cultivator, whose intentions were impure; her face bore undisguised mockery, and her eyes were full of contempt: \"Speaking big words... will make your tongue slip.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Embroidered Uniform Guard's Nascent Soul cultivator felt a sudden chill; he clearly sensed a murderous intent flash from Hua Changxi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to kill him, and she could kill him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Nascent Soul cultivator was at a loss, Hua Changxi spoke to Yin Yunzhou: \"Trouble you to lead the way; let us make a trip to the Liang Duke Prefecture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Duke of Liang sent people to monitor the Hua family courtyard and dispatched you to block the Dingyuan Count's gate; with such a grand display, yet I do not even know what he looks like—this is truly unacceptable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Yunzhou paused; go to the Liang Duke Prefecture? He had thought Hua Changxi would first visit the Dingyuan Count's Prefecture to see the Hua family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he was merely a collateral branch of the Liang Duke Prefecture; if he personally led Hua Changxi there and something happened later, he feared he would not reap any good fruits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking that with the Embroidered Uniform Guard present, Hua Changxi would not dare to actually make a move, Yin Yunzhou stood still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi knew that whether it was the three people in Nanluo Lane or the Nascent Soul cultivator before her, they were all thugs dispatched by the Liang Duke Prefecture; even if these thugs were eliminated, others would still be sent out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To resolve the problem thoroughly, one must find the source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Yin Yunzhou motionless, Hua Changxi threatened in a cold voice: \"What, have your legs lost the ability to walk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Yunzhou's heart skipped a beat; why did the Hua family dare not step out of the Dingyuan Count's Prefecture? It was because they feared the Liang Duke Prefecture would send people to ambush and kill them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, Hua Changxi could use such tactics against the Liang Duke Prefecture as well; Hua Changxi could also ambush and kill people from the Liang Duke Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling Hua Changxi's terrifying strength, Yin Yunzhou dared not offend her to the death; he smiled awkwardly and said, \"Our Duke has also long wished to meet you,\" then took the lead walking ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Yin Yunzhou actually leading the way for Hua Changxi, the Embroidered Uniform Guards exchanged bewildered glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pah, some Nascent Soul cultivator; just a coward!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Hua Changxi and Yin Yunzhou walked out of the street where the Dingyuan Count's Prefecture was located, the waist of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Nascent Soul cultivator vibrated; moments later, he ordered his subordinates, \"Move out; we follow them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Embroidered Uniform Guard subordinate expressed reluctance: \"Boss, are we really supposed to escort them to the Liang Duke Prefecture?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Embroidered Uniform Guard's Nascent Soul cultivator snapped, \"Shut up; who said anything about escorting them? We are clearly supervising them all the way for the safety of the common people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Embroidered Uniform Guards: \"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Helpless, this squad of Embroidered Uniform Guards could only resign themselves to following; just as they caught up, they saw a monk blocking Hua Changxi and Yin Yunzhou's path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Changxi, it has been three years since we last met; are you well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Jing Le, whose smile was as warm as the sun, Hua Changxi's lips also curved upward: \"Quite well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Le nodded with a smile: \"That is good.\" Then, glancing at Yin Yunzhou and the squad of Embroidered Uniform Guards catching up, he added, \"If you do not mind, I would like to accompany you for a stretch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked at him: \"...Very well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they continued toward the Liang Duke Prefecture, the Dingyuan Count, accompanied by the heir apparent and Hua Minghe among others, quickly strode out of the Count's Prefecture gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Was it not said that Ninth Lady has returned?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where is she?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2006,"2026-06-12T02:51:23.636Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","c711cf2d5c0d1d74fc1a071ee5e2e5213ab6e605528320317adf6b5493c39b4e","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-355","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-353",558,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-cover.jpg"]