Chapter 12: Breakthrough! A New Female Lead Will Appear

This xianxia plot progresses quickly; though the process differs, the outcome is much the same.

Ye Xuan's strength remains formidable, his alchemical talent still unmistakable, and he is still favored by Elder Mingyou.

The biggest difference, however, is Li Ruoling, the female lead.

He simply cannot understand why Li Ruoling is frantically helping him.

But he still remains somewhat wary—after all, she's the female lead!

The female lead can never end up with the villain; he knows his place well.

So perhaps someone behind Li Ruoling is directing her?

After pondering, Xu Chen suddenly understood: "So that's it. I get it."

It's most likely the Palace Master of Jixia Xuegong.

Perhaps the Palace Master ordered me to suppress the protagonist for some hidden agenda.

Did he foretell the Heavenly Secret?

Or is there a high-level cultivator seeking to seize the protagonist's destiny?

Both are possible!

Either way, I'll proceed cautiously, avoid trouble, and just see the plot through.

Everything else depends on circumstances.

As he pondered, the trials of the other families' youths in Qingyang City had also concluded.

In the end, nine geniuses were selected, all at least Second Grade Initial Stage.

This matches the original plot closely enough.

"The next plot point is that Ye Xuan's Dan-Wu Dual Cultivation spreads to Jixia Xuegong."

"Then Jixia Xuegong's Elders fiercely compete for Ye Xuan; he keeps showing off, shocking the entire academy until the Palace Master personally appears to take him as a disciple."

"That Palace Master is also one of the female leads—hmm, if you put yourself in Ye Xuan's shoes, that plot is incredibly satisfying."

"As for me, Xu Chen? I remain obscure, unclaimed by anyone, only rising later."

Thinking of this second major plot, Xu Chen nodded silently.

This lifetime, Ye Xuan still practices Dan-Wu Dual Cultivation and astounds everyone—no problem there.

As for me, I still can't cultivate Pills, slightly inferior.

So when entering the academy, Ye Xuan will surely be more sought after.

Thinking of this, Xu Chen lazily said: "This should count as a major plot—no chance to change it now."

After long consideration, he finally concluded that even if Li Ruoling interfered, it wouldn't matter.

After all, I truly can't cultivate Pills; no matter how much she boasts to others, it won't help.

Thinking of this, Xu Chen felt pleasantly satisfied.

This second plot arc can finally proceed smoothly.

Li Ruoling, you little bitch, don't even think about causing trouble this time.

At this moment, Elder Mingyou continued: "The selected disciples will return to Jixia Xuegong tomorrow; prepare yourselves today."

"Yes!"

Xu Chen and the others replied in unison.

Afterward, the many families departed one by one.

Li Ruoling and Elder Mingyou also left, though Li Ruoling showed unmistakable reluctance as she departed from Xu Chen.

Xu Chen couldn't help but marvel—her acting was flawless, truly.

He returned to his courtyard, stroking his chin: "This villain of mine, though always losing, has been growing stronger all along.

Ye Xuan's advancement is as easy as drinking water, while in my past life, I had to pay a heavy price.

But for now, it's fine—I don't need to pay any great cost yet.

These free Spirit Pills and Mystic Spirit Pills? I'll just consume them."

Saying this, he swallowed both Pills outright.

Instantly, the medicinal energy surged through his body, flowing through his Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

A faint golden glow began to appear on Xu Chen's body, making him look like a divine being.

A vast, potent aura began to ripple outward from his center, gradually spreading into the surroundings.