The teleportation array within the resting boat instantly enveloped the disciples of the six sects, transporting them together.
Unlike the previous Wang Jian trial, where the six sects were sent to six separate realms, this time they all arrived at the same place.
When the teleportation ended, Lin Shuang slowly opened her eyes.
Seeing the words before her, the corner of her mouth twitched.
[Queen, Tonight, Whose Green Plaque Will You Flip?]
[Evil cultivators are rampant. As righteous cultivators, it is our duty to eradicate them!]
[Layer Task: Eliminate one evil cultivator of Ningyuan Seventh to Ninth Layer.]
[You may choose from the range of evil cultivators provided in this layer.]
Lin Shuang: “…”
A deceptive task!
Lin Shuang clutched her chest, stepping back in mock sorrow.
Why did she fall into such a foolish trap?
Hadn’t she suffered enough from Green River’s misleading book titles?
[As the outstanding performer of the previous round, Lin Shuang is appointed Queen of this layer, with authority to determine the order in which the six sects choose their evil cultivator and depart for action.]
[The sect that captures or kills an evil cultivator fastest scores 100 points.]
[Second place: 80 points; third place: 60 points…]
Lin Shuang closed her eyes.
Her worldly desires vanished instantly.
[Can’t stop laughing. What was this layer supposed to be?]
[Just a task to capture evil cultivators—what else did you expect?]
[This layer, with all six sects entering together, has been slightly modified.]
[Modified background inspired by the novel Twelve Male Demons Love Me. Final interpretation rights belong to Baihua Sect’s Elder Yu Lu.]
[Elder Yu: No need to thank me, Lin Shuang. This is your reward for ranking first last round.]
[…Hahaha!]
[So Elder Yu’s reward for Lin Shuang leading Baihua Sect disciples back is here.]
[As expected of Baihua Sect—everyone’s a master at writing sensational stories.]
Outside the projection, Senior Sister Pear Blossom’s commentary voice soon emerged.
“It seems like a joke, but whoever Lin Shuang flips first gains a huge advantage this round! She’ll decide the departure order and the difficulty of the evil cultivators chosen.”
“This is equivalent to placing the ‘right to enter the final match against Qingshui Sect’ in Lin Shuang’s hands.”
“You deserve it, Lin Shuang. First in the persuasion trial, first in the Wang Jian layer.”
“This queen’s throne is yours alone!”
As Pear Blossom spoke, the projection showed four exquisitely dressed palace attendants in matching plain cyan robes approaching Lin Shuang, who had just stepped out of the teleportation array.
They bowed, sweetly greeting her, “Great King.”
Great King?
Oh my.
Lin Shuang’s entire body, every dantian, trembled with excitement.
This exhilarating sensation!
“Let us help you change, Your Majesty.”
Two palace maids respectfully presented a dazzling floor-length treasure robe woven from seven-colored peacock feathers.
Two others carried a heavy jewelry box, barely able to close it. Inside were thumb-sized gold-dotted jade hairpins, perfectly sized pearl headbands, rouge-red jade earrings… a dazzling array.
Lin Shuang hadn’t expected the 9000 trials to offer such treasures.
Elder Yu of Baihua Sect modified this for the competition?
Their 9000 Flower Valley had quite impressive task texts.
Soon, Lin Shuang was draped in the peacock feather robe, its feathers shimmering like sunlight.
“This was embroidered by that male demon in your harem, Your Majesty, stitch by stitch over three years,” the lead maid said with a hint of envy and awe. “Each feather had to be collected by staying sleeplessly beside a sixth-tier spiritual beast.”
“Isn’t it?” chimed in a round-faced maid, gesturing with a golden hairpin near Lin Shuang’s hair.
“These feathers fall only once every three months. If they touch mud or filth, they lose their luster and become unusable. He waited by the beast for three years to make this. Your Majesty, this demon consort has only you in his heart.”
Male demon, demon consort.
Lin Shuang grinned, “Girl, you’ve been bribed, haven’t you? So eager to speak for him. Tsk, hurry up and call out my beauties—let me see who I’ll favor tonight.”
As she spoke, she opened her mouth, letting a maid use a spell to feed her a juicy grape.
“Hmm, what else is in my palace? Fine wine, immortal peaches, ginseng fruit—bring them all!”
[…]
[Pfft—she’s really getting into it.]
[I’m done.]
[Hahaha.]
On the other side of the projection, the seventeen disciples from the other six sects appeared, excluding Lin Shuang. Eleven men, seven women, all dressing up.
Not only were they adorned in luxurious attire, but they also wore ornate gold or silver masks.
Before Bian Bocai, a line of text appeared:
[You bribed the queen’s maid with 3000 spirit stones to speak for you.]
[But the wise and mighty queen didn’t listen, not even asking your name. Alas, her ears aren’t so soft.]
[Your 3000 spirit stones went down the drain.]
Bian Bocai’s face puffed up like a bun, and he snapped his folding fan shut.
He shut down.
[???]
[…]
[Senior Brother Bian—please, save Baihua Sect’s face!]
As the crowd buzzed, a screen painted with spring peach branches appeared before Bian Bocai and the others.
Blossoming peach flowers drifted, forming words:
[Rules for disciples excluding Lin Shuang:
- Adhere to your role as a consort, demon consort, etc.
- Do not intentionally reveal your sect or name.
- Remember, Lin Shuang is the queen. In this layer’s trial, fulfill all her demands. Violating once requires offering her treasures worth 500 spirit stones to secure her favor.
- The queen flips seven plaques a night. The first flipped stays until dawn, their sect departing last; the second flipped departs second-to-last, and so on.
- Do not inform the queen of these rules.
- Violators’ sects will be penalized, departing last.]
[…]
[Your Baihua Sect elders are this playful?]
Spectator disciples were dumbfounded, and Baihua Sect disciples went silent.
At the elders’ seats, all eyes turned to Elder Yu Lu of Baihua Sect.
Elder Yu chuckled, her pink robe blooming with peach blossoms.
“The top-ranked disciple deserves rewards. She dominated two rounds—shouldn’t we reward her?”
“She didn’t plan to enter this trial layer. Frankly, she lacks daily motivation.”
“Top disciples need encouragement to keep going. Struggling disciples need a push to regroup.”
How to regroup?
The projection soon showed the other disciples’ collapsing expressions.
For example, Huangfu Yuan stared at the fluffy, overly fake snow-white fox tail and furry fox ears presented by a maid.
Expressionless, he glanced around.
Beside him, Bian Bocai and a Shanhai Sect disciple wore even more exaggerated, floor-dragging fox tails—one gray-white, one fiery red.
What hideous things.
Huangfu Yuan closed his eyes.
Bian Bocai, equally despairing, wanted to refuse, but even his folding fan was taken by a maid.
“Oh, you three demon consorts, hurry and put on your masks.”
[They can’t let Lin Shuang guess their identities, but what about Wanseng Sect’s vow of silence?]
As the text appeared, a maid checked a palace tablet.
“Hmm, the three feather consorts were rescued from a burning crow nest, their throats damaged.”
[…]
[…]
Meng Zhi, pressing his head, chose an all-black robe and felt better with a black mask.
Two Wanseng Sect disciples were assigned to this group.
“You three crow consorts love only the queen, remember.”
“But your throats are damaged, so you’re mute and a bit self-conscious.”
Meng Zhi: “…?”
His saber, another’s cauldron, and another’s sword were swiftly confiscated by the maids.
Next were the three ancient dragon consorts.
“You love only shiny things.”
[This mimics Meng Zhi’s traits to trick Lin Shuang.]
[Other sects’ rankings don’t matter, but Lin Shuang must figure out which group has Huangfu Yuan and Meng Zhi to let Qingshui Sect depart first!]
As the text floated, Xiao Qi and two Wanseng Sect disciples had low-grade weakening pills forced into their mouths by maids.
Wearing masks, their eyes dulled, they spat blood, and swayed like fragile leaves, clutching silver hand warmers identical to Huangfu Yuan’s.
[This mimics Huangfu Yuan?]
[So cunning—Elder Yu wants Lin Shuang to choose wrong.]
[Think again. Even if she chooses right, she probably assumes the first flipped departs first—but the first flipped leaves last!]
[I can’t hear “one night seven times” anymore. Use beep beep beep for the 9000 trials.]
[Last time I said something mildly suggestive, I got muted. But the elder—never mind, I’ll shut up.]
[Lin Shuang should just lie back. She didn’t plan to complete this layer—she’s here to enjoy herself.]
In the opulent palace hall, Lin Shuang was indeed enjoying herself.
Propped on one elbow, she reclined on a lavish gem-carved queen’s throne.
Four maids fanned her, served water, and one read a novel aloud.
Lin Shuang, half-squinting comfortably, occasionally opened her mouth for a grape.
Five puppets’ service—truly an upgraded version of Xiao Ai.
“Your Majesty, your seventeen consorts have arrived.”
Lin Shuang lazily opened her eyes, seeing gorgeously dressed beauties filing in, all wearing gold or silver masks.
“Your Majesty, please flip the plaques.”
Seventeen green plaques, covered in red silk, were presented before her.
Seventeen—exactly the number of competing disciples from the six sects, excluding her.
Lin Shuang’s expression turned subtle as she eyed the two rows of masked figures, only their eyes visible.
Three large fox tails nearly startled her at first, making her think Huangfu Yuan was exposed.
But beside them were three figures in black feather cloaks with crow-like feather crowns—mimicking crow demons?
This was just Elder Yu’s unique taste.
“You haven’t paid respects to the Great King?” a maid urged.
Instantly, the seventeen figures froze.
Lin Shuang raised her neck with interest.
Beside the three crow figures were three glittering consorts, practically encrusted with jewels—lovers of spirit stones.
Then three frail, blood-spitting consorts…
Lin Shuang pursed her lips. They hid each sect’s traits while mimicking Huangfu Yuan’s frailty and Meng Zhi’s love for spirit stones?
Elder Yu didn’t want disciples’ sects exposed or for her to recognize Meng Zhi and Huangfu Yuan—just to enjoy flipping plaques and randomly set the six sects’ departure order?
The seventeen reluctantly paid respects, most just nodding or clasping fists.
Tsk tsk.
Lin Shuang waved her sleeve. “You lack training. No one taught you how to behave as consorts?”
Seventeen: “…”
[…]
[The three feather consorts who love only the king violated their roles.]
[500 spirit stones automatically deducted from their mustard seed bags for Queen Lin Shuang.]
The three figures stiffened, one nearly convulsing, clearly pained by the loss.
Lin Shuang squinted. They had roles?
Nice—she wasn’t sleepy anymore.
“Your Majesty, pick one quickly. The night is short~” a maid teased.
“You must flip seven plaques tonight, two each time…”
Cough—
Lin Shuang, about to speak, choked.
Seven flips a night, two at a time?
She was that kind of king!
Lin Shuang snapped awake, handing her jade tea cup to a maid, stepping barefoot onto the floor in her soft feather cloak to inspect the seventeen.
Eleven men, six women.
Excluding her, Qingshui Sect had only Huangfu Yuan and Meng Zhi, so she’d pick from the men.
But would the elders make them cross-dress?
Lin Shuang eyed the lush-haired figures—not a single bald head.
She shook her head inwardly.
Even Wanseng Sect used rough wig props.
So, likely no cross-dressing or height changes.
Lin Shuang stroked her chin.
Five male consorts’ gazes followed her pigeon-egg-sized dragon jade ring.
Three showed envy, two blatant greed for spirit stones.
The three envious ones quickly looked away, but one kept sneaking glances, reluctantly tearing their eyes off, only to look again when she wasn’t watching—a conflicted “want to look but dare not” expression.
It was the same figure who convulsed after the 500-spirit-stone fine.
Lin Shuang pressed her ringed finger to her lips, hiding a twitching smile.
Meng Zhi.
Could he be any more obvious?
No challenge at all.
“Come, I’m in a good mood tonight. Sing me Spring Breeze Triumphs, Hooves Gallop Swiftly.”
The seventeen froze.
After the Wang Jian layer, in the rest cave for competing disciples, music from sound cultivators played loudly, including this song, possibly from Mingzhong Sect disciples returning from a market.
Lin Shuang quickly devised a way to identify sects.
If they could sing, they’d pretend to be Mingzhong Sect!
As they pondered, their expressions varied—admiration for Lin Shuang, frustration at forgetting the tune, or joy at remembering it.
“Your Majesty, you forgot—the three feather consorts’ throats were burned in rescue.”
“And two recovering demon consorts caught a cold last night and can’t speak tonight.”
“Oh?” Lin Shuang smiled with interest.
Wanseng Sect’s silent monks were likely among these five.
Crow 1: Meng Zhi.
Crow 2, 3, and Frail 1, 2 could be Wanseng Sect.
Frail 3 seemed restless, fidgeting in the hall.
Lin Shuang shook her head. Xiao Qi without his sword—could he be more obvious? How was she supposed to fairly arrange the departure order?
The Danqi Sect couple gazed lovingly, ignoring her, the king.
The third Danqi Sect woman, separated from her partner, looked eager to clock out.
Sigh. Too easy.
Baihua Sect was even simpler—Bian Bocai’s fox-fur attire and Kong Miaoke’s curious eyes practically overflowed.
She suspected Bian Bocai was counting her toes, thrilled at the idea of writing about a six-toed anomaly in his book!
Tsk. He seemed disappointed her toes were normal.
“Last night, I dreamed an immortal said today’s consort selection should be blindfolded.”
Seventeen: “???”
[!]
[I was wrong—it’s not Elder Yu who’s playful, it’s Lin Shuang!]
[What novels has she been reading all these years?]
Lin Shuang turned dashing, pointing precisely at Meng Zhi.
“You, the feather consort with wandering eyes, come blindfold me.”
Meng Zhi: “!?”
The other sixteen fell silent.
[? She’s blindfolding herself to flip plaques and decide the six sects’ order? Doesn’t she want to influence the outcome?]
[Oh, she’s on good terms with Xiao Qi. If she gives Shanhai Sect a good order, other sects might resent her, so she’s staying out of it?]
[Blindfolding has two explanations:
- Whether she recognizes them or not, she doesn’t want to offend the five sects or sway the outcome. But that’s unlikely—she’s bold.
- She already knows who’s who but doesn’t want to play favorites, affecting her dao heart. So, blindfold.]
[!]
[She knows who’s who already? That fast?]
Meng Zhi, the exposed crow consort, gritted his teeth, wanting to speak but staying silent.
Rules:
- Obey the queen unconditionally.
- Don’t reveal your identity.
- Don’t reveal that the first flipped leaves last.
Meng Zhi, biting back frustration, took the white silk ribbon from a maid and roughly tied it over Lin Shuang’s eyes, knotting it messily at the back.
Lin Shuang: “…”
Such sloppy technique—no one else but him.
Too easy. Where’s the challenge?
Normally, Meng Zhi would’ve stared at expensive treasures, but today he restrained himself, likely to hide his identity per the rules.
But his divine sense screamed spirit stones.
This layer’s task gave flipped consorts the advantage of choosing higher-reward evil cultivators.
With such temptation, he’d likely hint at his identity for an early flip.
Yet, not only did he not volunteer, he was visibly irritated when called to blindfold her.
That left one explanation: he feared being recognized and chosen—flipping first was bad.
He wanted to stay back.
His simple mind pointed straight to the greatest benefit.
So, the first flipped was likely the most disadvantaged.
Blindfolded, Lin Shuang walked barefoot toward the eleven ornate consorts.
Meng Zhi, behind her, tried to return.
“Don’t move.”
“Did I say you could?”
Meng Zhi: “…”
[Hahaha.]
[Exposed—it’s Meng Zhi, right?]
[As expected of Junior Sister Lin Shuang, who passed the teamwork test!]
[Worthy of the trio who failed four teamwork questions… hahaha.]
[?]
“Hmm? Qingshui Sect disciples don’t seem optimistic about Lin Shuang’s flipping. Junior Sister Zhao, what’s your take?”
Senior Sister Pear Blossom appeared in the projection, bringing out Zhao Keran, now at Ningyuan Second Layer.
Freshly advanced, Zhao Keran knew the situation well. “Well, my Senior Sister only met Senior Brothers Meng and Huangfu at year-end. In Zhenchuan 9000, they faced Senior Sister Mei Xin’s teamwork challenge.”
“My Senior Sister and the two Senior Brothers failed four teamwork questions in a row, nearly doomed.”
Pear Blossom’s eyes gleamed. “They’ve known each other so briefly?”
“Spectators have seen through the rounds that Junior Brother Meng loves spirit stones, which Lin Shuang clearly knows.”
“She indeed picked Meng Zhi first.”
“But that’s the fatal part. The challenges are:
- Can she find Huangfu Yuan too, so all three depart together?
- The first flipped leaves last, and she doesn’t know this rule. How will she avoid this trap?”
“She blindfolded herself and singled out Meng Zhi. Does that mean she’s given up on finding Huangfu Yuan?”
“Is she just going to pick randomly now?”
[Possible.]
[Keeping Meng Zhi first is her best plan. Too bad—she’s wrong. He might end up last.]
But in the projection, Lin Shuang moved.
Barefoot, she stepped before the first fox consort, tiptoeing, hands reaching for their head.
[?]
She missed. Her hands passed through empty air—their head was lower than her raised arms.
Lin Shuang shook her head, moving to Fox Consort 2.
Tiptoeing again, hands raised, she reached for their head.
Seeing it was too low, Bian Bocai, eyes full of charm, silently floated an inch off the ground, letting her touch his fox ears.
Bian Bocai, full of anticipation.
[!]
[What’s he doing?]
[Everyone’s avoiding Lin Shuang, not wanting to be kept for seven flips! Bian Bocai, what are you doing?]
[He wants to gather intel on Lin Shuang and doesn’t want to leave so soon!]
[…]
But touching his fluffy fox ears, Lin Shuang shook her head, sighing through red lips.
She moved to the next.
“Why… Your Majesty, am I not good enough?” Bian Bocai whimpered, eyes forlorn, utterly confused.
[!]
[Pass it on—Baihua Sect has no limits.]
[…]
“Why didn’t you choose me?” Bian Bocai asked, voice low.
Why?
Lin Shuang, eyes closed, wore an odd expression. “Because you’re not the one I’m looking for.”
Bian Bocai froze.
The tall, snow-white fox-tailed consort beside him, with a hint of red in their ears, also stiffened.
Lin Shuang raised her arms, tiptoeing, hands landing precisely on their hair.
Both their breaths halted.
In the Wang Jian layer, years of hatred, helplessness over his clan’s slaughter, and self-loathing tormented him uncontrollably.
His silver hair couldn’t be hidden, and she draped a floral blanket over his back.
It was this exact height.
Her hands perfectly reached his head, fingers sliding through soft, sleek black hair to draw a calming talisman.
Just like this.
In the projection, Lin Shuang lifted her blindfolded eyes, her snowy skin unable to hide her radiant aura.
Her ringed finger pressed his forehead.
He, masked, met her gaze, unmoving.
They seemed frozen, emanating an unmistakable connection.
[…]
[She found him!]
[That’s Huangfu Yuan?]
[Who’d have thought—identifying a friend by the head she once covered with a blanket?]
[…]
Rumor has it dog noses are unique. What about wolves…?
All this to find you in future competitions…
If one day you must hide among people or demons, I won’t mistake you…
Behind his mask, Huangfu Yuan closed his eyes.
Even as Meng Zhi glared and shook his head, he didn’t retreat, letting Lin Shuang’s hand rest on his forehead.
Then how do I recognize you if the elders hide your identity?
*Ask if they know *Fastest Learning* and have them recite the Learning Pyramid…*
Past jests echoed in his ears.
You can always trust Lin Shuang…
Yes.
Always trust Lin Shuang.
As she wished, he believed her.
Believed she’d notice Meng Zhi’s odd behavior and deduce the hidden rule: the first flipped is the most disadvantaged.
So, he didn’t need to hide.
He could trust her.
Trust that she had enough information to arrange everything perfectly.
Huangfu Yuan lowered his head slightly, gazing at the stunning woman in her jade-green, peacock-feathered robe.
Lin Shuang stood still, as if sensing his breath.
He likely saw Meng Zhi’s oddity too, unable to escape her Fire-Eye Golden Gaze.
Then, knowing Meng Zhi’s simple mind, she could deduce the hidden order rule—the first named is worst off.
So, he’d trust she wouldn’t pick Meng Zhi or him, now recognized.
As long as he didn’t dodge her hand, letting her identify him, it confirmed her deductions were correct.
Lin Shuang’s breathing steadied.
She tore off the blindfold, staring into the phoenix eyes behind the mask.
She reached out, vigorously pinching the fluffy fake fox ears.
Huangfu Yuan: “…”
[It’s over.]
[She really recognized him, didn’t she?]
[Oh no, she’s picking them?]
Lin Shuang turned, pointing firmly at Meng Zhi.
Meng Zhi scratched his ears, frantic but unable to speak.
“Keep these two demon consorts I’ve chosen for last.”
Meng Zhi: “!”
Five sects’ disciples: “!”
[?? When was the rule exposed!]
[How did they communicate!]
[So fast?]
[Was it Meng Zhi’s slip? Or her stare with Huangfu Yuan? No, she was blindfolded!]
The five sects’ disciples removed their masks, smiling bitterly.
They couldn’t hide anything from her—how was this possible?
But they soon relaxed—departure order left to fate wasn’t bad.
Disciples tensed as Lin Shuang solemnly pointed, “Point, point, point—whoever I point to gets flipped first!”
The order emerged:
Qingshui Sect first, followed by Shanhai Sect, Wanseng Sect, Danqi Sect, Mingzhong Sect, and Baihua Sect.
“Lin Shuang, how did you recognize me?” Meng Zhi, shedding his black feather robe, asked the moment they left the queen’s palace. “No, how did you know the rules?”
Every spectator wanted to know.
Lin Shuang rubbed her forehead.
“You sure you want me to say?”
Announce his naivety to the twelve sects?
Lin Shuang shook her head, quietly changing back into her Qingshui Sect robe.
Huangfu Yuan looked at Meng Zhi with rare concern. “Later, you pick the evil cultivator.”
“No problem! Senior Brother Huangfu, you get me—huh? What’s that mean? So nice all of a sudden…”
Because he’s caring for the weak.
Lin Shuang sighed lightly. “Keep it up, Senior Brother Meng.”
“Huh, I thought you’d play the queen game longer.”
Meng Zhi didn’t get it.
“If it were me, I’d lie on the throne, slowly picking the five sects’ order.”
Lin Shuang pulled a novel from her mustard seed bag.
She wanted to, but her weekend entertainment schedule—her Pomodoro timer—lost its fun when the game’s thrill halved.
“I knew who everyone was. Isn’t that boring? I don’t want to act for the elders’ amusement.”
Meng Zhi: “Ah.”
Lin Shuang shook her head, patting her broadsword, signaling him to drive.
[She really knew everyone.]
[Can’t stop laughing—what’s her technique? The five sects don’t know her, but she seems to know them well!]
[Bian Bocai, give her your pen—let her write the single disciple analysis!]
Outside the queen’s palace was a small array leading to the task board.
The board displayed six evil cultivators’ portraits with clear labels:
[1. Ningyuan Ninth Layer: 300 points]
[2. Ningyuan Ninth Layer: 300 points]
[3. Ningyuan Eighth Layer: 200 points]
…
[6. Ningyuan Seventh Layer: 100 points]
[Note: Unlike the persuasion trial, choosing an overly difficult evil cultivator may lead to real death!]
[Carefully read their techniques and choose one you’re confident in.]
[If outmatched, you may abandon the pursuit at any time.]
[Failure in this layer only drops you ten layers.]
[May all departing disciples return safely.]
Lin Shuang looked up, eyes gleaming.
An elder writing such warnings—could they be bad?
“Two Birds, pick the 300-point one!”
Meng Zhi’s eyes lit up, instantly reaching for the top two.
“These Ninth Layer ones must have the highest rewards! Gotta take them!”
Huangfu Yuan: “…”
Lin Shuang: “…”
What?
Two Birds—who’s that?
Sorry, she preferred Five Grains Prosper, Six Goats Thrive… Ten Perfections~
“Then take those two down, let me see, Crow Consort~”
“Pfft! Let the fox vixen get them for you!”
“…Who’re you calling that, Junior Brother Meng?”
The Qingshui Sect trio started bickering right outside the queen’s palace.
[…]
[Lin Shuang: Fight first, then depart—still faster than the five sects, hehe.]
[…]
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