Xu Mo sat inside his cabin, perched on a simple wooden chair. His eyes moved steadily across each document, scanning every word with care. He had to remain fully attentive—after all, he was currently acting as the substitute Sect Master.

Bai Xu, the Sect Master of the Hidden Dragon Sect, had recently departed for the Golden Radiance Domain, accompanying Jin Meiyu, who had been summoned back to her family by her grandfather. As her master, and concerned for her safety, Bai Xu insisted on escorting her personally. In his absence, he had entrusted the leadership of the sect to Xu Mo.

Two years had passed in the blink of an eye, and Xu Mo's physical appearance had matured significantly. Many people had come and gone within the sect—just like Jin Meiyu. But Xu Mo had kept a low profile throughout, and he intended to continue doing so. Who knew when another son of heaven, daughter of fate, or an emerging villain might show up unannounced?

For now, all the remaining so-called Children of Destiny had left the sect to pursue higher goals, leaving Xu Mo a rare moment to breathe.

Over the last two years, Xu Mo had issued many orders as the True Successor. And because every instruction was aimed at the greater good, no one really objected. He had reformed the sect's entrance examinations, allowing even those who failed to remain in the sect for a week. During that time, they underwent alternative assessments—not based on cultivation aptitude but in fields like alchemy, formations, ruins exploration, and Daoist techniques.

He had also cleared the treacherous path outside the sect, making travel to and from the mortal world safer. The death rate among test candidates traveling back had dropped significantly. Now, only one in sixteen perished—and even that was often due to self-harm, like stabbing oneself or running into a tree.

To prevent accidental deaths, Xu Mo had instructed the servants to install safety nets below all cliffs. That way, even a fall wouldn't lead to certain death.

Another of his reforms involved the villages surrounding the sect. Previously, disciples who failed to progress in their cultivation were simply expelled. Xu Mo changed that—they were now assigned as village protectors. However, they didn't serve as village heads or local lords. The real power remained with the sect, minimizing the risk of abuse.

To ensure everything was functioning as intended, Xu Mo often descended the mountain in disguise and acted like a common villager. He watched closely, identifying who treated the weak with respect and who only acted humble when faced with someone stronger. Those who failed his unannounced tests were brought back personally—by him—and thrown into the sect's dungeon. The same cold cell where he himself had once spent six long months.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

As a result, Wei Han, the chief of the Disciplinary Hall, had gotten much busier. The once-empty prison cells were now filled to the brim.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in," Xu Mo said, reclining on his chair. He stretched, his joints cracking audibly from his neck down to his fingers.

"Senior, these are this month's reports," said a soft voice.

It was Li Xueya—the so-called Villainess of Destiny. Xu Mo had met her two years ago while delivering her brother's body to their village. At her family's request, he'd agreed to bring them all back with him and had arranged for their resettlement within the sect.

Xu Mo took the documents from her hands. "Hmm... the sales this month are better than last," he said, skimming through the figures.

Li Xueya now worked as his assistant. Initially, Xu Mo had protested, insisting that he already had Wu Ming. But Bai Xu had suggested having a female assistant as well—especially to handle matters concerning female disciples.

Reluctantly, Xu Mo agreed, realizing he wasn't omniscient. Now, he had two aides: Wu Ming, who handled affairs related to male disciples, and Li Xueya, who oversaw female concerns.

"It's because of the item you put up for auction," Li Xueya explained. "It was too rare, and other sects competed fiercely for it. That made the price skyrocket."

"But still... 10,000 High-Grade Spiritual Stones?" Xu Mo muttered, eyes drifting back to the number written on the report.

"Which sect ended up buying it? I can't imagine someone paying that much for just an armor piece."

"Armor?" Li Xueya raised an eyebrow. "Senior, I sometimes wonder how someone can be both a genius and an idiot at the same time. But then I look at you... and I'm convinced anything is possible."

Bang!

Xu Mo slapped the report down hard on the table. A wave of force burst out, rattling the furniture.

"Hey! You're just a mere disciple, yet you dare insult the True Successor and current Substitute Sect Master? Do you have a death wish?" he growled, face flushed with anger.

"Hehe..." Li Xueya giggled behind her hand. "Senior, that kind of intimidation doesn't work on me anymore. It just makes you look cute."

She stepped closer to the desk, her long, slender finger tracing along its edge. The serious atmosphere Xu Mo had built up collapsed like a bubble. A strange, playful tension filled the room instead.

Xu Mo remained unaffected. Li Xueya was still only twelve.

Though she often asked him to treat her like an adult, he simply couldn't—especially when she barely reached four feet in height, while he stood tall at six foot three.

"I just want you to focus on cultivating and growing stronger," Xu Mo said with a sigh. "Yet here you are, playing assistant. I've already suggested finding someone else for the job, but you always refuse. Just what exactly are you after?"

He leaned forward, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. Li Xueya was just tall enough for her eyes and forehead to peek over the desk.

She didn't answer right away. She just stared back, her large, expressive eyes silently reflecting Xu Mo's question.

And for a moment—just a moment—Xu Mo thought he saw through her.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.