Chi Yao drifted through a long, illusory dream.

She, the Demon Empress, had been betrayed by her closest companions and perished in their hands.

After her death, her soul wandered through the Heavens before being reborn as an ordinary mortal, devoid of any memories of her former glory.

In this life, she was a mere low-tier cultivator, forced to watch helplessly as her hometown was razed to the ground and her parents were killed.

Just when she prepared to put an end to her life, a man suddenly appeared.

Handsome, gentle, and graceful—he seemed to be the definition of those words.

Even she, an Empress who had met countless men, both mortal and immortal, had to admit he was the most striking man she had ever seen.

Fortunately, though her memories had been lost, her resolve remained unshaken.

After venting her inner grievances, she ruthlessly took action.

Unfortunately, the man was half a step faster. Before the blade could separate her neck, her vision darkened, and she fell unconscious.

"Who would have believed that I, the Heaven Swallowing Empress, would one day owe my life to a mere ant..." Chi Yao muttered to herself, feeling strangely emotional.

Just then, a power descended upon her, pulling her consciousness back to reality.

Her eyelids fluttered briefly before she opened her eyes and surveyed her surroundings.

--

Chen Xuan was now the only one left in the room. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Having seen Chi Yao’s updated status, he knew the next scene was not something that Su Ying and Huo Ling’er should witness.

As he watched the demonic energy gradually dissipate into nothingness, he knew the time had come.

Sure enough, Chi Yao’s eyes soon snapped open.

Her dark pupils were cold and indifferent, devoid of any emotions and brimming with a thirst for blood.

Under her gaze, Chen Xuan felt as though he was facing a vengeful spirit that had crawled from the depths of the Underworld rather than a human.

Fortunately, he had been prepared. The Nascent Soul in his Dantian stirred, its movements jolting him back to his senses.

After using Heavenly Insight Eye to confirm Chi Yao was still merely at the Late Stage of Qi Refining, he relaxed slightly, though he remained alert.

Noticing her observing him and the room, he feigned ignorance.

"What happened? How do you feel?"

"Was that wave of demonic energy caused by your Physique’s awakening?"

Chi Yao turned sharply toward him.

Her gaze was piercing and cold, enough to freeze a mortal’s soul.

However, she quickly caught herself.

Recalling her current state and the strength of the man before her, she masked her true thoughts and shook her head in feigned terror.

"I—I don’t know. I just woke up. Demonic energy? Did the demonic faction attack again?" she asked softly, her tone a mixture of horror and hatred.

With her pale face and messy hair, she perfectly played the part of an ordinary girl caught in a nightmare.

Chen Xuan had to admit he would have been fooled if not for the system.

However, knowing what he did, he felt a cold shiver run down his spine.

He knew the opponent was the so-called Demon Empress and should have once been a powerful demonic cultivator with an extraordinary status.

If this woman were merely arrogant and haughty, he wouldn’t have been scared. Such a cultivator posed little threat.

However, someone who could discard their pride and reputation and pretend to be a weakling was truly dangerous.

Glancing at Chi Yao, who nearly hid under her blanket, Chen Xuan suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

’This woman is a reborn Demon Empress. Judging from that title and the description of the System, she must have been a monstrous being in her previous life.’

’If left unchecked, she will likely plunge the world into chaos.’ Chen Xuan thought, clenching his fists as his body trembled with mock emotion.

A look of solemn righteousness crossed his face.

’Only I can prevent this disaster! I must sacrifice my reputation and take her as my disciple! It is my duty as a righteous cultivator to supervise this demoness!’

Chen Xuan was almost moved to tears by his own nobility.

He had never expected that he was such a virtuous cultivator.

Sure enough, only in adversity can a person’s true nature be revealed.

Who dared to claim that he, Chen Xuan, was shameless?

Maintaining his gentle facade, he ignored Chi Yao’s obvious desire for him to leave and slowly approached her.

"I’m afraid those phenomena were the result of your Physique awakening," he said, reaching out to pat her shoulder.

"Do not worry," he comforted her, "I know you’re afraid, but you’re fortunate to have met me. Other righteous cultivators might have feared your demonic Physique and killed you on the spot."

"But I’m different. I understand that it is not the Physique or technique that makes a demon, but one’s heart and actions."

Chi Yao was puzzled. She couldn’t understand why he had gone on such a long tirade.

As for what made a cultivator demonic?

She was far more experienced regarding this subject than Chen Xuan. Being lectured by an "ant" only fueled her internal disdain.

On the surface, however, she was as good an actor as he was, her eyes filling with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

Though Chen Xuan knew her true thoughts, her reaction satisfied him greatly.

Nodding slightly, he delivered his prepared speech.

"Unfortunately, though I suppressed the phenomena of your awakening, your demonic traits will eventually be revealed. Unless you have a powerful backing, the righteous path will hunt you down to the ends of the earth."

Chen Xuan paused, a trace of hesitation crossing his face before he grew determined.

"No! I cannot simply watch that happen. Since I saved you, it’s my responsibility to ensure your survival," he said, gritting his teeth. "It seems I can only reluctantly take you in."

"Don’t refuse," he added quickly, "I know what you’re worried about, but I’m not afraid to risk my reputation for your sake."