After the Fairy Maidens Fell to Darkness, They Captured Me to Ruthlessly 'Repay' Their Gratitude-Chapter 177 - Bring My Rebellious Disciple Back Safely

Qin Shiyan’s plan wasn’t overly complicated; it primarily followed the True Dragon Empress’s directives.

The ancient treasures were undoubtedly important.

But for Dragon Dynasty, these treasures had been suppressed for thousands of years. Even if they were stolen and fell into demonic hands, they wouldn’t hold immediate value. The key was how to use this opportunity to catch bigger fish.

In the grand scheme of things, one must think long-term.

Thus, Qin Shiyan’s plan didn’t focus on immediately capturing Li Daoyuan. Instead, she designed a larger trap. She planned to wait until Li Daoyuan met up with Wanmo Sect’s demonic cultivators before deploying Dragon Dynasty’s celestial servants to surround and eliminate them all.

However...

Wanmo Sect, as a top-tier sect dominating the Eastern Demon Realm, wasn’t foolish. Their demonic cultivators were deeply hidden, and no one knew where they would rendezvous with Li Daoyuan.

If Li Daoyuan’s escape went too smoothly, it might arouse suspicion among Wanmo Sect’s operatives. Fearing an ambush, they might choose not to show themselves.

On the other hand, a large-scale pursuit would inevitably alert Wanmo Sect’s operatives, scaring them into hiding.

Given these considerations,

Sending a small team of mid-tier celestial servants as bait seemed the most suitable approach.

Qin Shiyan wanted Li Daoyuan and Wanmo Sect to believe that Dragon Dynasty was unaware of their plans and unable to mobilize stronger forces quickly—hence only dispatching mid-tier celestial servants.

When Li Daoyuan inevitably engaged with this group of celestial servants, his progress would be delayed. Observing that the pursuing celestial servants weren’t particularly strong, Wanmo Sect’s operatives would likely intervene to eliminate them and rescue Li Daoyuan.

At that moment...

It would be time for the mantis to stalk the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind!

“An Luo Yi, you mustn’t reveal yourself too early. With your title as the Destined Heroine and your third-rank golden-threaded dragon robe, your presence alone would make Wanmo Sect wary. Not to mention, after I used the imperial artifact in the Fox Clan Secret Realm to assist you, your reputation has spread far and wide—no faction dares underestimate you now.”

“When the plan begins, stay hidden with the high-ranking celestial servants and observe the battlefield. If Wanmo Sect’s operatives appear, that will be your cue to strike as hunters and eliminate them!”

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Inside Shiyun Pavilion, Qin Shiyan earnestly instructed An Luo Yi.

She cared deeply for the two young disciples she had nurtured. If it weren’t necessary, she wouldn’t want either An Luo Yi or He Ange on the battlefield.

But the younger generation needed experience eventually.

As for He Ange, his cultivation was too low. Qin Shiyan couldn’t send him as bait or include him in An Luo Yi’s hunting team. Instead, she assigned him a simple task: monitor Li Daoyuan.

Once the plan succeeded, He Ange would still earn merit—enough to be promoted to a sixth-rank celestial servant.

For An Luo Yi, accompanying the hunting team meant being surrounded by third-rank celestial servants and higher—veterans at Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation stages. With such formidable allies, An Luo Yi was unlikely to face danger unless Wanmo Sect sent a grand elder-level figure to escort Li Daoyuan.

But that was highly unlikely.

Unless absolutely necessary, conflicts between major factions typically involved the younger generation. Instances like Feathering Sect’s elders intervening earlier were exceptions that crossed boundaries.

“Understood,” An Luo Yi nodded gracefully, showing no objection to Qin Shiyan’s instructions.

As the Destined Heroine, she was brave but not reckless. With her family and loved ones in mind, she appreciated Qin Shiyan’s efforts to ensure her safety. She wouldn’t rush headlong into danger unless provoked beyond reason.

“Then let’s proceed with this plan.”

“In the next half month, An Luo Yi, focus on recovering and advancing to late Nascent Soul stage while mentally preparing for the mission... As for He Ange, continue monitoring Li Daoyuan. Once he escapes, your task will be complete—stay in Shengxu Sect and wait for your senior sister’s triumphant return.”

With that,

Qin Shiyan concluded their discussion and rose from her seat with a commanding tone.

Below,

The white-robed youth and silver-haired celestial maiden stood together, bowing respectfully.

“I understand,” He Ange replied calmly.

...

...

The Next Morning

Under Li Daoyuan’s protection,

Que Sheng left Shengxu Sect’s barrier undetected with surprising ease.

Before departing,

She glanced back at Shengxu Sect’s forbidden grounds but didn’t see any sign of the white-robed youth. He was likely back with the Destined Heroine, enjoying their private time together...

For some reason,

Que Sheng felt a pang of disappointment.

She had expected He Ange to see her off—perhaps issuing one last threat not to reveal his secrets or doing something even more infuriating.

But in reality...

He Ange didn’t seem as bad as she had imagined. He didn’t even seem to care much about her.

To him,

Que Sheng felt more like a disposable pawn—used and discarded without a second thought.

“This is good for me,” she muttered to herself. “If he doesn’t bother me, I won’t think about him either. I’ll focus on suppressing this mark and breaking free from his control...”

Spreading her fiery wings,

Que Sheng touched her abdomen where the mark glowed faintly. Biting her lip in frustration, she cursed inwardly: “I can’t believe I still think about that heartless demon—it must be this damn mark!”

“He Ange... Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west! Once I rid myself of this mark in three months, I’ll make you pay for humiliating me!”

With that,

She soared into the sky as a streak of divine light.

But soon,

The mark began glowing again—its growth fueled by her hatred. Her cheeks flushed red as her resentment deepened.

“Endure... Endure... Endure...”

“I have to endure!”

All the way back to the Vermilion Bird clan’s territory,

Que Sheng wrestled with her conflicting emotions.

...

...

Two Weeks Later

During this time,

He Ange didn’t seem particularly tense. His nightly routine followed three simple steps:

1. Leave an illusionary clone in Shengxu Sect’s forbidden grounds to appear as though he were diligently monitoring Li Daoyuan.

2. Occasionally kick down Li Daoyuan’s door before sitting down with him for drinks and casual conversation.

3. End his night by visiting An Luo Yi at Luo Xue Peak for intimate moments filled with love and affection.

On the surface,

He Ange appeared carefree.

But deep down,

He felt reluctant about leaving Shengxu Sect soon. The thought of parting from An Luo Yi made him cherish every moment with her—spending as much time together as possible and savoring their relationship while it lasted.

After all...

Every time with her could be their last.

Being selfish by nature,

He Ange wasn’t sure if An Luo Yi would still accept him once his identity as a demonic cultivator was exposed. So while she still loved him unconditionally, he wanted to make the most of their time together—body and soul.

Meanwhile,

Shengxu Sect saw plenty of newsworthy developments:

– Xu Xin made rapid progress under He Ange’s guidance in swordsmanship—reaching half-step late Foundation Establishment stage.

– Bai Zihua broke through to early Nascent Soul stage after consuming elixirs gifted by He Ange.

– And most notably, An Luo Yi advanced to late Nascent Soul stage—half a step from peak—and was nearing Divine Transformation stage.

It seemed like everyone except He Ange was making progress.

But that was just appearances.

In truth,

During his nightly trysts with An Luo Yi, He Ange secretly absorbed small amounts of her essence over time. By now, he had quietly advanced to early Nascent Soul stage himself.

However,

He kept this breakthrough hidden. If Qin Shiyan found out, she might revise her plans and send him to the frontlines against Li Daoyuan—a scenario he wanted to avoid at all costs.

He preferred staying in Shengxu Sect where he could enjoy his freedom.

“By my calculations,” he mused atop Luo Xue Peak one evening, “the disciples’ training expedition begins tomorrow...”

“Tonight, I should visit Li Daoyuan and make some preparations.”

With a sigh,

He Ange gazed into the distance under the moonlit sky.

...

...

Eastern Demon Realm

Wanmo Sect – Hall of Blood Flames

Seated on a luxurious throne,

The white-haired demon lord raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Que Sheng... So you’ve decided not to participate in the follow-up mission?”

“Reporting to Master,” Que Sheng replied calmly from below. “I’ve recently experienced a sudden insight and wish to enter seclusion for some time.”

Her expression was serene—her delicate features betraying no emotion.

This surprised Dongfang Zhou.

For someone as combative as Que Sheng—a prodigy of the Vermilion Bird clan—to voluntarily decline such a lucrative frontline mission?

Moreover,

Dongfang Zhou couldn’t shake the feeling that Que Sheng was deliberately avoiding anything related to Shengxu Sect’s plans.

“Very well,” he sighed eventually.

The Vermilion Bird clan was known for their arrogance and independence as ancient bird spirits. Dongfang Zhou never expected complete control over Que Sheng anyway.

Besides,

If she didn’t take the mission, there were plenty of others eager for an opportunity to prove themselves.

“Now then,” Dongfang Zhou announced loudly, “who among my true disciples wishes to replace Que Sheng in escorting the ancient treasures from Shengxu Sect?”

Immediately,

A sea of eager faces lit up among his disciples—each one ready to volunteer for such a lucrative mission.

But before anyone could step forward,

A suffocating aura of black dragon might swept through the hall—stopping everyone in their tracks.

“Dragon might?!”

The crowd froze in fear as they parted instinctively—revealing a young man striding confidently down the red carpet toward Dongfang Zhou’s throne.

Clad in black-gold ceremonial robes with a dragon crown atop his head,

The youth exuded arrogance and authority—his black-gold dragon eyes scanning everyone with disdain as if they were beneath him.

Stopping before Dongfang Zhou,

He bowed slightly with a composed demeanor:

“Master Dongfang Zhou—I am Gu Li of the Black Dragon clan. I request permission to take on this mission.”

—