After transforming into a fairy, I, in my simulation, wreaked havoc in the cultivation world.

As dawn broke, you quietly returned to the guard's camp, your mind filled with plans.

Three months is more than enough time for you to find an opportunity to use a more convenient identity to blend in with the mining area.

This escort team consisted entirely of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Even though the overall conditions in the mining area were rudimentary, each person was assigned an independent cave dwelling, which saved them a lot of unnecessary trouble.

"Qiu'er, it's time to go."

[The moment you stepped into the cave, a cheerful female voice rang out from behind the stone door.]

[The original owner of this body was named Leng Qiu, who was aloof and cold by nature, rarely speaking. This is why you chose her.]

Appearance can be altered, and aura can be imitated, but the details of a person's conduct and behavior cannot be perfectly replicated, even after a soul search.

This detached personality is perfect for you to take their place.

Therefore, you did not respond, but simply put on your mask, got up, and left the cave.

"Oh dear, Qiu'er, why are you wearing a mask again?"

Outside the door, a female cultivator dressed in black leaned against the stone wall. Seeing you emerge, her tone carried a hint of helplessness and coquettishness.

This woman, named Ruan Jiao, was the only fellow disciple that the original owner of Leng Qiu could truly confide in within the mining area. She was ruthless and vindictive to outsiders, but she showed considerable care for Leng Qiu.

You nodded slightly in response, then ignored her and walked straight out of the cave.

"Hey, you're so beautiful, why do you always hide your face?"

Seeing this, Ruan Jiao immediately stuck to him like a leech, still muttering incessantly.

You stopped and gave her a cold, sidelong glance through your mask.

The woman immediately shut up and put on a fawning smile.

[The majority of the people in this mining area are female cultivators. This distinction is made by the Black Demon Sect cultivators because they are aware of their disciples' character and in order not to delay the mining work.]

Of course, connections exist everywhere; in the cultivation world, such people are called "minor friends."

Therefore, cultivators at the Lesser Friend Realm occasionally sneak into this mining area, openly mingling among the female cultivators.

"Young Master Mo gave you less than half a month left. What's your decision?"

After walking a distance, Ruan Jiao couldn't resist and whispered in your ear.

You didn't stop walking, but merely glanced sideways, uttering two words in a cold, hard voice:

"I don't know."

"How could I not know that?"

Ruan Jiao's voice suddenly rose, tinged with anxiety, but as she caught sight of the approaching mine entrance, she hurriedly lowered her voice to a whisper.

"His master is a Nascent Soul cultivator; we can't afford to offend him."

She bit her lower lip, looked around, and then transmitted her voice:

"Qiu'er, how about we find a time to escape?"

You glanced at the other person with slight surprise, never expecting such genuine friendship to exist in the world of cultivation.

But then, the fleeting emotion that had just arisen within you froze instantly, for a restless hand had already stealthily reached for your waist.

【"roll!"】

You ruthlessly shoved her away.

[What pure and sincere friendship? It's nothing but lust infatuation.]

Ruan Jiao stumbled a few steps after being pushed. Knowing she was in the wrong, she could only give a dry laugh and follow behind you with her head down.

Walking through the dimly lit underground passage, the light at your fingertips flickers, silently releasing tiny insects invisible to the naked eye.

They silently crawled into the cracks in the stone wall and quickly dispersed to various parts of the passage.

[This was given to you by Liu Guanzhi. It's said to be explosive. Just release them at will, and they will find a suitable spot to lie dormant on their own.]

The entire mining area's defensive formations are intricately linked, and the central hub leading to these formations is located within the main hall, personally overseen by a Golden Core peak cultivator.

This is quite a tricky situation.

[You glance out of the corner of your eye at the woman who was half a step behind, and suddenly the words "Young Master Mo's deadline for you is less than half a month away" flash through your mind.]

A master at the Nascent Soul stage? Perhaps... this could be a starting point.

"Jiaojiao."

Your tone was completely calm, without a trace of emotion.

"Please arrange a meeting with Young Master Mo for me. I agree."

"What?!"

Ruan Jiao abruptly stopped, staring at you in utter astonishment, her voice trembling with shock.

"I said."

You look through the mask, your gaze fixed on the dark depths of the earth.

"I want to see Young Master Mo."

"No! I disagree!"

Ruan Jiao grabbed your arm, her voice full of pleading.

You took a deep breath, barely suppressing the urge to slap her to death.

[Disagree? What are you disagreeing with? Do you even have a Nascent Soul stage master?]

"Listen to me, this is for our future."

After a moment's hesitation, you reached out and gently stroked the woman's cheek.

"Otherwise, none of us will survive."

"Qiu'er."

Tears welled up in Ruan Jiao's eyes.

Looking into your earnest eyes, she bit her red lips and whispered:

【"I see..."】

[Tsk~]

[That look on his face, full of resistance, yet he had no choice but to bow his head.]

[Yes, he's just like an incompetent husband.]

You suppressed a twitch at the corner of your mouth and gently wiped away the tears from her eyes. To make your "tool" obedient, you softened your tone even more.

"When we've achieved our cultivation and completely escaped this quagmire, if you still don't despise me..."

"I don't mind!"

Before she could finish speaking, Ruan Jiao suddenly grasped your hand, her reddened eyes filled with sincerity.

【"Hmm~"】

You seemed unable to meet his gaze, slightly averting your eyes, your voice trembling almost imperceptibly.

"Go..."

A moment later, watching the other person's retreating figure, turning back every few steps, you gently stroked your smooth chin.

This display of deep affection is quite telling, but one wonders if this sincerity conceals any ulterior motives or calculations.

You continue walking slowly, and one by one, the Gu worms fly out from your sleeve, then find a corner to hide in.

[What's amazing is that once they stop moving, they seem to blend into their surroundings, and even if you scan them with your divine sense, you can no longer detect them at all.]

You can't help but marvel once again at Old Liu's unfathomable methods.

[There are countless geniuses in this world, but only those of such brilliance can barely stand by your side and become your "Daoist companion."]

Old Liu, oh Old Liu, I hope you can continue to surprise me...

...

...

...

(Thanks to the amazing verification from the "Capitalist with a Cane" expert!)

(Chapter 16)

(Thank you all for the gifts and for your support!)

(Damn it! I thought I was Batman, but it turns out I'm the Joker. I caught a cold yesterday because I left the air conditioner on...)