Since Jiang Xuan discovered the true identity of Ming Yue, the “female hero,” through the System’s scanning function, his heart was racing like a hamster on a wheel, but he kept a brave face.
“Alright, Lady Ming Yue.”
Once inside the castle, Jiang Xuan was led to a lavish main hall, where Ming Yue promptly took the throne like she was auditioning for “Queen of the Monsters.”
“Xuan Jiang, I suppose you’ve noticed some things? Got any questions for me?”
“Yes! Along the way, I noticed a ton of monster beast guards. Don’t tell me, Lady Ming Yue, you…”
“Correct! Looks like you’re not entirely dim-witted…”
Before Ming Yue could finish her thought, Jiang Xuan rushed ahead with, “Lady Ming Yue, as a female hero, you’re embracing the world, even monster beasts are willing to follow you! Truly the savior of the realm!”
Ming Yue was left utterly baffled.
“Xuan Jiang, it seems you know nothing about me. However, since I’m bringing you to this headquarters, I suppose it’s time to reveal the truth.”
Jiang Xuan’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. “!!!!!!”
“First of all, this female hero is not human, but rather part of the Monster Clan. Unlike ordinary monster beasts, only those with extraordinary bloodlines, immense power, and high IQs can call themselves part of the Clan. I belong to the Dark Phoenix clan, sent here for training.”
“Are you clear now? I’m the very monster that your kind fears the most. Knowing my identity, will you still choose to follow me?”
“I know this revelation may be harsh for you, but it is the truth. Don’t worry; even if you’re scared of following me, I won’t k*ll you. I’ll just send you away from Monster Clan territory and that’s it. Different paths, no hard feelings. This female hero has her own code of conduct; I won’t harm the innocent nor do I harbor ill intent towards you.”
As she said this, her gaze fell on Jiang Xuan.
She expected to see panic, but instead, Jiang Xuan had teary eyes and looked downright ecstatic.
“I can’t believe the hero that saved me is a monster! Your kind and ours have been enemies since time immemorial. Yet, Lady Ming Yue, you don’t shun my human identity and instead help me out of chivalry and kindness!”
“You even thoughtfully revealed the truth and offered this ant a choice. Your noble actions touch my heart deeply! No need to say more; from now on, I, Jiang Xuan, pledge my life to serve you, Lady Ming Yue! As long as you don’t reject me, I will repay your kindness for the rest of my days.”
Upon hearing this, Ming Yue was slightly moved.
“Well, I didn’t think you’d end up choosing to follow me. You’re quite an interesting human. I’ve actually saved a few humans before. They insisted on becoming heroes alongside me. But the moment they found out my true identity, they were all terrified and begged to leave. Their trust crumbled in an instant! I let them go, only for them to be gobbled up by monsters outside.
Isn’t it laughable? They wanted to distance themselves from me, but when danger struck, they cried for my help! Initially, they were the ones who insisted on leaving this base!”
“All this time, I had very little affection for humans, but you seem to be the exception. Xuan Jiang, I’m pleased with your choice. Seeing as such, you can stay. Though you’re a bit ugly, I still appreciate your character.”
Jiang Xuan could only stare in disbelief.
“Whew, thank goodness I’m smart enough. This monster queen’s choice was clearly a loyalty test. Now that I’m in Monster Clan territory, I wouldn’t believe for a second that she would genuinely let me go.
Anyone with half a brain knows to quickly swear loyalty and cling to a powerful thigh! If she’s just here for a ‘cultural exchange,’ the forces behind her must be terrifying, so I cannot offend her!
If I can keep this little ancestor happy, it’ll be smooth sailing in Monster Clan territory! Plus, if I use my free time to cultivate, I’ll become a powerhouse before anyone notices.
Moreover, even if Liu Yun is sharp, she’ll never guess I’m hiding in Monster Clan territory, right? It’s a win-win scenario. From today on, I’ll live my life as a qualified little brother, making this monster princess happy.”
Putting on an act, Jiang Xuan replied with heartfelt gratitude, “Thank you, Lady Ming Yue! By the way, where do you keep your ingredients? You promised to try my cooking…”
“Let’s go! I’ll take you to the kitchen. Monster Clan hardly ever has anyone who can cook, but I adore all sorts of human delicacies. If your cooking satisfies me, you can stay in the kitchen; if not, you’ll be given chores.”
Jiang Xuan was determined not to do chores; that would hinder his training. He planned to whip up some meals and keep the little ancestor happy while using the rest of his time to cultivate.
Before long, they arrived at the Monster Clan’s kitchen, filled with all sorts of poultry and veggies. Jiang Xuan was pleasantly surprised.
“This little ancestor really loves food! The ingredients here are quite plentiful. Score! If I can win over this little ancestor’s stomach, I can solidify my footing here!”
Jiang Xuan, a culinary master, wasted no time cooking in front of Ming Yue.
His seamless cooking skills left her completely astonished.
As dish after dish came out, Ming Yue eagerly dove into the food like it was the last supper, and when she finished the spread, she nodded with satisfaction.
“Delicious! Better than any meal I’ve ever had!”
At that moment, Jiang Xuan was dumbfounded.
“Wait a minute! Does this little ancestor have a bottomless pit for a stomach? I made enough for ten servings! Save some for me, I haven’t even had a bite!”
Just as he was mentally complaining, Ming Yue continued, “I thought your cooking skills were exaggerated, but you really do have talent! Starting now, you’ll be our chief chef in this headquarters, and you’ll be responsible for all the meals of the monster clan!”
“Wait, what?!?”
Jiang Xuan quickly gathered himself and protested, “I’m thrilled to have your approval, Lady Ming Yue, but I must humbly decline that position.”
“Oh? This female hero is giving you a chance to show your abilities. Why refuse?”
“Because, Lady Ming Yue, that goes against my original intention for staying here. I only want to repay you for your kindness. I’d prefer to cook solely for you. Moreover, I hope to accompany you on your heroic adventures! As your strategist, I can help you with all sorts of situations.”
Ming Yue’s interest piqued at Jiang Xuan’s words.
“Helping me strategize? You’re quite the unique human. Very well, I’ll test your strategic thinking.”
“Please, Lady Ming Yue, ask away. Jiang Xuan will leave no question unanswered!”
“If this female hero saves someone, and that person outwardly obeys her but is secretly a human spy, and later that person has a change of heart and confesses their true identity, how should I deal with it?”
Jiang Xuan was stunned for a moment.
[Hold up! I thought this little ancestor was a sweet, naive heroine! How did she just hit me with a test out of nowhere? Am I supposed to stand for this? Unfair! I’m not a human spy!]
Feigning deep thought, he finally replied, “Lady Ming Yue, I believe we should let that person go…”
Before he could finish, her gaze turned sharp.
“Xuan Jiang, are you considering this from the perspective of humans?”
“N-no! I’m thinking like a monster! Just hear me out! Clearly, that spy knows they can’t escape Monster Clan territory. Given that situation, the only way to run is to play on your chivalry and mercy!
Why did they confess? To gain your sympathy and hope you’ll spare them. Knowing your character, you’d likely momentarily consider sparing their life but then imprison them forever.
But that’s not a good plan since there will simply be more spies. I’d say you should act according to your righteous heart and let them go while secretly ensuring their safe exit from Monster Clan.
When they meet up with their accomplices, wipe out all threats! Solve all their problems in one fell swoop! That’ll send a clear message to anyone with bad intentions!
Letting them go is an act of righteousness, and eliminating their accomplices is a classic vendetta. Totally makes sense, right? What do you think of my suggestion, Lady Ming Yue?”
Ming Yue was slightly taken aback by his response, then nodded.
“Not bad; your suggestion is better, but don’t you think it might be a bit too cruel?”
“Cruel? Lady Ming Yue, the ways of the world are certainly far crueler! If you show a hint of mercy to a betrayer, it could backfire!”
Nodding thoughtfully, Ming Yue’s expression turned more approving.
“You’re quite impressive; I can see you possess great talent. You can stay by my side as my personal aide. Though you’re a little ugly, I’m starting to find you more and more appealing.”
“Of course! If you don’t trust me, I can swear an oath right here that I’ll never betray you!”
“Oh, no need for an oath. Since you’ve made your choice from the start, I already trust you. It’s said that you should trust those you use and never use those you don’t trust.
Take this token with you; from now on, you are my exclusive aide. Within Monster Clan territory, your position will only be below mine. I hope you won’t let me down from here on out.”
Jiang Xuan felt like he’d just hit the jackpot when he received the token engraved with the character “Ming.”
“Wow, I didn’t expect to become the second-in-command of Monster Clan so soon! This is a shortcut to success!”
After receiving the token, Jiang Xuan expressed his gratitude and loyalty. Just then, Ming Yue asked,
“Xuan Jiang, as my aide, what do you think you should do?”
“Well, Lady Ming Yue, I believe I should follow all your orders. If you’re thirsty, I get you water; if you start a fire, I fan the flames; if you go into battle, I hand you your sword…”
After serving a long list of tasks, Ming Yue finally nodded in satisfaction.
“Alright, I see your loyalty. By the way, go find something to eat. That little yard next to the main hall is yours now. Get familiar with this Monster Clan base today. From now on, you’ll be cooking meals for me every day and standing by for my orders.”
“Yes, Lady Ming Yue!”
After Ming Yue left, the nearby monster clan members, who hadn’t dared come near before, started gathering around.
Although they didn’t know what Jiang Xuan and Ming Yue had discussed, they clearly recognized the token in his hand.
It was obviously a sign of someone they wouldn’t dare mess with, so they had to smooth things over with him.
On the other side, after activating the scanning function, Jiang Xuan learned that each of the transformed monster clan members around him had at least Sky Martial realm cultivation.
So, he decided to whip up some food to treat them. Although he aimed to cook only for the monster queen Ming Yue, it was essential to manage relationships now that he was the second-in-command.
In the martial world, social interactions are everything. Humans have their own relationship dynamics just as monsters do, and appearances must be upheld.
As Jiang Xuan finished cooking and mingled with the monster clan kitchen staff, back in the main hall, Ming Yue was seated on her throne when a purple silhouette suddenly appeared before her.
“Princess, your aide is currently teaching the kitchen monsters how to cook and offering them food, even though he said he’d only cook for you… should I…?”
Ming Yue shook her head, slowly responding, “I didn’t expect him to reach out to the monster clan like this. That suggests he has larger ambitions.
Keep observing him secretly. He’s definitely not as simple as he appears since he’s a man with cultivation. While he may seem loyal to the monster clan, I sense there’s something off about his identity.
Report any new findings promptly. This aide of mine is beginning to intrigue me.”
“Yes, Your Excellency!”
If Jiang Xuan were to hear Ming Yue’s assessment, he’d surely shout “Woe is me!”
He had no intention of scheming against the monster clan! Teaching the kitchen how to cook was about building rapport and spreading the word that he was the second-in-command!
This way, he could walk around confidently and avoid conflict with any hostile monsters.
Plus, he was secretly hoping to teach the monsters to cook so he could slack off and have more time to train!
After finishing his meal, Jiang Xuan wandered around the Monster Clan base.
The monsters in the territory had caught wind that a new human second-in-command had arrived. Though he might not be a looker, his cooking skills were legendary!
As more and more monster beasts sampled his cooking, the praise soared, and with the arrival of the new second-in-command, the food in the Monster Clan drastically improved, leading to his newfound popularity.
Of course, Jiang Xuan was completely oblivious to all of this. Now in his newly assigned room, he thought of a request for the System.
“Hey, System, I heard you can conceal heavenly secrets. If that’s the case, can you help me hide my cultivation aura while I train? I’m worried I’ll make too much noise…”
“Beep! This system can do that. Rest assured, host, and feel free to train!”
“Awesome! Finally, you’re putting your skills to good use! Now, I can train with peace of mind.”
Ending the conversation with the System, Jiang Xuan immediately sat cross-legged and entered a meditation state.
As Jiang Xuan began to circulate the Taixuan Formula, his aura remained completely unchanged.
However, in the main hall next door, Ming Yue, also training, started to furrow her brows.
“Strange… Is something weird happening in the headquarters? Why does the spirit energy around here seem so thin?”
Feeling puzzled, Ming Yue stepped out of the hall, closed her eyes, and started sensing the flow of the spirit energy.
When she opened her eyes again, her gaze landed on the small courtyard where Jiang Xuan was.
