The script needs to be revised.

The first light of dawn flickered faintly, and the first ray of sunlight struggled to penetrate the layers of mist in the purple bamboo forest, yet it could not reach into the Cold Jade Palace, which was heavily sealed by Formations.

Inside the palace, the candles had long since burned out, leaving only a pile of cold ash.

A complex and ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.

It was a mixture of the greasy aroma of roasted chicken, the lingering faint fragrance, and a certain decadent scent unique to intense exercise.

On the cold jade bed, everything was in disarray.

The originally neat ice-silk quilt was now crumpled, appearing particularly shocking.

Yun Yuzhen curled up in the corner of the bed, her hands hugging her knees, her eyes staring blankly into the void.

Her once-supple black hair was now a mess, draped over her smooth, jade-like back.

Her exposed skin was covered in bluish-purple hickeys and pinch marks, as if a perfect piece of porcelain had been recklessly defaced, exuding a broken and poignantly beautiful aesthetic.

"Phew..."

A long exhale broke the dead silence.

Su Ye stood by the bed, spreading his arms and stretching lazily.

He was refreshed now, with every pore in his body cheering as if he had just partaken in a peerless tonic feast.

"Revered Master, last night... you've worked hard."

Su Ye turned around, tidying his collar unhurriedly while looking at the woman on the bed with a smile.

His voice was as warm as jade; if one listened with eyes closed, he would sound exactly like a modest gentleman who respected his teacher.

But to Yun Yuzhen's ears, it was more piercing than the roar of a hellish ghost.

Yun Yuzhen's body trembled violently, and a surge of intense hatred instantly filled her previously empty eyes.

"Get out!"

She opened her mouth, her voice extremely hoarse as if her throat were filled with grit.

"Rebellious Disciple... you will die a horrible death..."

Hearing this, Su Ye didn't get angry; instead, the smile on his lips widened.

He stepped forward, ignoring Yun Yuzhen's murderous gaze, and gently lifted her pointed chin.

"Revered Master, I've been listening to this curse of yours all night."

"If curses were effective, I would have died a thousand times already."

Stroking that smooth skin, Su Ye leaned down and whispered in her ear:

"Besides, Revered Master, your flavor is truly indescribable."

"Even if I die, dying on Revered Master's belly would be worth it."

"You..."

Yun Yuzhen trembled with rage, a flush of shame and indignation rising to her pale cheeks.

She wanted to dodge that dirty hand, but her body was empty, without even the strength to lift a finger.

It was total exhaustion.

Not only was her cultivation sealed, but her essence, energy, and spirit had been completely plundered.

"Alright, I'll stop teasing Revered Master."

Su Ye straightened up, his Face returning to that nauseatingly respectful look.

"I have important matters to handle, so I won't disturb Revered Master's rest."

"I've added a few more layers to the Formations of this Cold Jade Palace."

"Without my permission, not even a fly can get out."

"Revered Master, just rest assured and Cultivate in seclusion here, and by the way..."

Su Ye pointed at the pile of scattered chicken bones on the floor, a hint of mockery in his eyes:

"Reminisce about the deliciousness of that Five-Colored Spirit Chicken."

Having said that, he ignored Yun Yuzhen's fiery gaze, waved his sleeve, and turned toward the palace gate.

Rumble—

The heavy palace gate slowly opened and then shut heavily after Su Ye walked out.

As the final restrictive light curtain fell,

that cold palace once again became an isolated prison... walking out of the Cold Jade Palace.

The biting mountain wind of early morning brushed against his Face, making Su Ye's robes flutter.

Purple Bamboo Peak was shrouded in mist and Spiritual Qi, looking like a fairyland on earth.

Su Ye took a deep breath of the air scented with vegetation, feeling refreshed.

"System, check attribute panel."

Su Ye muttered in his heart.

[Ding! Host attribute panel generated.]

[Host: Su Ye]

[Identity: Taichu Holy Land Purple Bamboo Peak Eldest Senior Brother (Villain)]

[Physique: Supreme Bone (Awakened), Heaven Swallowing Demonic Body (Elementary)]

[Cultivation Technique: Heaven Swallowing Demonic Art (Imperial Rank), Yin Yang Dragon Phoenix Creation Scripture (Imperial Rank)]

[Cultivation: Golden Core Realm Eighth Heaven]

[Luck: -500 (Extremely Dangerous)]

[villain points: 12000]

Looking at the glaring "Golden Core Realm Eighth Heaven" on the panel, the curve of Su Ye's lips became increasingly arrogant.

"Golden Core Eighth Heaven..."

Su Ye clenched his fist, feeling the vast spiritual power surging like a great river within him.

That feeling of being filled with power was intoxicating.

In just one night!

From Golden Core Fifth Heaven, jumping three minor Realms straight to the Eighth Heaven!

Such cultivation speed, if word got out, would likely shock the entire cultivation world and make those so-called peerless prodigies bash their heads against walls in shame.

"As expected of the Imperial Rank Cultivation Technique, the Yin Yang Dragon Phoenix Creation Scripture."

"And as expected of a Revered Master in the Tribulation Transcendence Realm who possesses the Taiyin Sacred Body."

Su Ye's eyes sparkled with sharp light.

Last night, he utilized this dual Cultivation Technique rewarded by the System.

Yun Yuzhen's pure primal yin cultivated for three hundred years, along with the massive Grand Yin Qi within her body, was the top-tier tonic in the world for him.

Coupled with the overbearing devouring properties of the "Heaven Swallowing Demonic Art."

The combination of the two produced explosive results.

Not only did his cultivation skyrocket, but even his Supreme Bone and Divine Soul underwent a baptism and sublimation under the nourishment of that Grand Yin Qi.

"If I cultivated normally, even with the Supreme Bone, it would take at least several years of hard work to break through from the Fifth Heaven to the Eighth Heaven."

"And now, it was just a single night of spring breeze."

Su Ye looked down at his palm; pale gold spiritual power danced at his fingertips, faintly exuding a heart-palpitating devouring force.

"This feeling of taking a shortcut is truly exhilarating."

"No wonder so many villains choose the path of plucking and nourishing."

"Compared to bitter seclusion and meditation, how can anything be as satisfying as direct plunder?"

Of course.

Su Ye also knew that this plunder was built upon Yun Yuzhen's pain.

But he didn't care.

Since he had transmigrated as a villain, he had to have a villain's awareness.

If a man does not look out for himself, heaven and earth will destroy him.

In this cultivation world where the strong prey on the weak, kindness is the greatest cruelty to oneself.

Su Ye restrained his aura, preparing to head to the back mountain to see his Third Junior Sister Lin Waner, who had just been implanted with a demonic seed.

Just then.

Buzz—

A vast and majestic Divine Thought fluctuation suddenly penetrated the mountain-protecting Formation of Purple Bamboo Peak and exploded directly in his mind.

Immediately afterward,

a dharma decree emitting brilliant golden light appeared out of thin air in the void before him.

On that decree flowed the terrifying pressure of a Half-Saint.

The surrounding purple bamboos bent their waists under this pressure, as if surrendering to this power.

Su Ye's brow twitched slightly; he immediately recognized the owner of this aura.

Taichu Holy Land Holy Lord, Holy Master!

Also the Senior Sister of his cheap Revered Master, Yun Yuzhen, a twisted woman who held some unspeakable affection for his Revered Master.

"Su Ye of Purple Bamboo Peak, receive the decree."

A cold, haughty female voice filled with unquestionable authority came from the golden decree.

Su Ye set aside his cynicism and bowed slightly in a respectful posture.

"Disciple Su Ye greets Holy Lord Senior Martial Uncle."

Even on Purple Bamboo Peak, facing this Half-Saint level expert, appearances had to be maintained.

After all, he was not yet a match for this Holy Lord Senior Martial Uncle.

"Su Ye."

Holy Master's voice continued, carrying a hint of faint concern and suspicion:

"This Seat sensed abnormal Formation fluctuations on Purple Bamboo Peak, and your Revered Master Yun Yuzhen's aura is faint, and she has not appeared for a long time."

"How is she doing now?"

Su Ye sneered in his heart.

This old hag says she cares for her Junior Sister, but she's actually just taking the Opportunity to spy, right?

If she knew he had imprisoned her beloved Junior Sister and even used her as a Cauldron for plucking, she would probably kill her way onto Purple Bamboo Peak and tear him into a thousand pieces.

However,

Su Ye had already made full preparations.

His expression remained unchanged as he replied sincerely:

"Reporting to Holy Lord Senior Martial Uncle, Revered Master had a sudden insight and is currently in death seclusion to break through to a higher Realm."

"Revered Master specifically instructed that this seclusion is crucial and must not be disturbed by anyone."

"To this end, Revered Master even activated the Absolute Seclusion Formation of the Cold Jade Palace and sealed her six senses."

"I have also been guarding outside the palace, not daring to be negligent in the slightest."

The golden decree fell silent for a moment.

Obviously, Holy Master was weighing the truth of Su Ye's words.

But the Formation outside the Cold Jade Palace was indeed active, and that kind of isolating aura also matched the characteristics of death seclusion.

Additionally, Su Ye's usual image of being "warm as jade" and "respectful to his Revered Master" was too deeply ingrained.

Holy Master ultimately did not suspect this martial nephew.

"Since she is in death seclusion, then so be it."

Holy Master's voice softened a bit.

"Junior Sister Yuzhen has been stuck at the Tribulation Crossing Realm, Tenth Heaven for many years; if she can break through this time, it will also be a blessing for our Taichu Holy Land."

"However..."

Changing the subject, Holy Master's tone became serious.

"Three days from now will be the annual Mountain-Opening Disciple Recruitment Ceremony of our Taichu Holy Land."

"According to custom, all thirty-six inner peak lords must be present to select fine talents and pass on their legacies."

"As a top-ranking main peak, Purple Bamboo Peak naturally cannot be absent."

"Since your Revered Master is in seclusion, you shall recruit Disciples on her behalf during this ceremony."

Su Ye was slightly stunned.

Recruiting Disciples on behalf of his Revered Master?

"Disciple accepts the command."

Su Ye cupped his hands and replied, "But I am of shallow seniority and fear I cannot handle such a heavy responsibility..."

"No matter."

Holy Master interrupted him, "You are the Chief Disciple of Purple Bamboo Peak and a well-known Prodigy of the Holy Land."

"Now that your cultivation has reached the Golden Core... Hmm?"

Suddenly, Holy Master's Divine Thought seemed to sweep over Su Ye's body, letting out a light sound of surprise.

"Golden Core Eighth Heaven?"

"Su Ye, when did your cultivation progress so rapidly?"

Even through the decree's transmission, Su Ye could hear the shock in Holy Master's tone.

After all, just a few days ago, Su Ye had only just broken through to the Golden Core Fifth Heaven.

This speed was simply unheard of.

Su Ye had already prepared his excuse and said neither humbly nor arrogantly:

"Reporting to Senior Martial Uncle, I happened to find a withered branch of a Thousand-year-old Enlightenment Tea Tree in the purple bamboo forest. After refining it, my state of mind became clear, and thus my cultivation was able to advance by leaps and bounds."

"So that's it; quite a good Opportunity."

Holy Master did not delve deeper.

There are countless opportunities in the cultivation world, and it is common for geniuses to have sudden Breakthroughs.

The stronger Su Ye was, the better it was for Taichu Holy Land.

"Since you have such cultivation, you are all the more qualified to recruit Disciples on your Revered Master's behalf."

"Three days from now at the hour of Chen, at Taichu Square, do not be late."

"Remember, Purple Bamboo Peak is sparsely populated. You must select a few Disciples with excellent Aptitude for Purple Bamboo Peak during this ceremony."

"Do not tarnish your Revered Master's prestige."

The voice faded.

The golden decree turned into spots of starlight and dissipated in the air.

The terrifying pressure enveloping Purple Bamboo Peak also receded like a tide.

Su Ye straightened his back, a playful curve hooking his lips.

"Recruiting Disciples on Revered Master's behalf..."

"The recruitment ceremony in three days..."

He gently stroked his chin, a look of reminiscence flashing in his eyes.

If I remember correctly,

in the original plot, this recruitment ceremony was an extremely important segment.

Because

that woman is about to appear.

One of the female leads in the original Taichu Holy Land story, and his future Fifth Junior Sister—Lin Qianxue.

In Su Ye's mind, a figure dressed in white, cold as snow, emerged.

Lin Qianxue.

Born with a Supreme Grade Ice Spirit Root and an accompanying spirit sword "frost brilliance," she was a rare sword dao Genius.

Her personality was even colder than frost, making her unapproachable, like the year-round unmelted snow on a high mountain.

In the original work,

Su Ye, this "Eldest Senior Brother," fell in love with Lin Qianxue at first sight during the recruitment ceremony.

And then began a years-long "simp" career.

No matter how cold or disgusted Lin Qianxue was toward him, he stuck to her like a piece of dog-skin plaster.

Giving her Medicinal Pills, Magic Treasures, and Cultivation Techniques.

Even to help Lin Qianxue find sword-forging Materials, he didn't hesitate to venture deep into forbidden lands, risking his life.

And the result?

Not only did Lin Qianxue not have the slightest gratitude, but she also found him annoying, and when the protagonist Ye Fan appeared later, she pierced Su Ye's chest with a sword without hesitation.

The reason was simply: "Eldest Senior Brother, you are too extreme; Brother Ye Fan is a good person."

"Hehe..."

Thinking of this, Su Ye couldn't help but let out a low laugh.

The laughter was filled with self-deprecation and coldness.

"The previous Su Ye was truly an irredeemable fool."

"A dignified villain, actually going to be a simp?"

"Simping until the end, only to end up with nothing."

Su Ye shook his head, the trace of reminiscence in his eyes instantly vanishing, replaced by extreme indifference and greed.

"However, since I am in control of this body now,"

"then the script must be changed."

He stood with his hands behind his back, looking toward Taichu Square as if he could see through the layers of mist to that upcoming cold young girl.

"Lin Qianxue..."

"Supreme Grade Ice Spirit Root, Innate Sword Heart."

"With such Aptitude, if she's refined into a Cauldron or her spirit root is stripped and grafted into my demonic art, the flavor must be quite good, right?"

Su Ye stuck out his tongue and licked his dry lips.

The original warm-as-jade Eldest Senior Brother temperament vanished completely, replaced by a chilling evil charm.

"In this life, I will no longer be a simp begging for pity."

"What I want to be is the sole Dominator of this Purple Bamboo Peak."

"Whether it's Revered Master or Junior Sister,"

"they are all but stepping stones on my path to longevity, resources to help me become the supreme Devil Emperor!"