The male supporting character was actually myself.

After the Jade Maiden Peak Sect Master established contact with Yan Xuzi to ensure they would obey orders and immediately deploy to the invasion location, thus preventing Lin Xucheng from taking them under his command, Jiang Chen bid farewell and went to other sects.

During his trip to the Shattered Star Sea, he discussed with the sect leader and arranged two important tasks.

The first priority is to win over all of Lin Xucheng's main forces in the story, so that they can both block his retreat and obey his orders immediately to prevent the spread of the strange phenomenon.

The second thing was to release the news that six months later in the Shattered Star Sea, alchemist Liu Jiangchen would hold a grand gathering of treasures on behalf of the Free and Unfettered Sect.

At that time, various elixirs, cultivation techniques, and weapons will be auctioned off, and only sects that have received an invitation will have the opportunity to purchase these precious and sought-after resources.

The reason for publicizing the news of the Wanbao Conference so extensively is not only to clear out the inventory and contribute some rare treasures to the mission world, but more importantly, the grand event in the Shattered Star Sea will definitely attract more cultivators who cannot be notified individually.

As the saying goes, many hands make light work. With the cultivators of Jade Maiden Peak supporting other major sects and their covetousness for the newly invaded world, they can definitely stop the spread of the strange phenomenon by defeating the master with a flurry of punches.

By then, the Three Realms Guardian Team will have a long enough front with informants everywhere, ensuring that Lin Xucheng will have nowhere to hide once he emerges from the spatial rift!

And so, Jiang Chen, along with his protectors, the Wind Chaser Eagle, and the Demon Cat Senior, traveled south while making contact with various sects.

The fluffy little dumpling would occasionally hop over to peek at the protagonist, Lin Xucheng, but he didn't cause any trouble and stayed obediently in the enclosed space, diligently cultivating.

They even fantasized that once they successfully condensed their golden core again, they could fly on a sword and "summon" the divine palace once more...

"Sigh, I think I understand now." The fluffy ball of fur slumped on its host's shoulder, legs crossed, and said disdainfully, "This protagonist's greatest ability is to bewitch people with his halo and build a harem. The rest is just making threats every day! He'll destroy this one and that one. I just don't understand, how can he cultivate properly with such a lot of malevolence?"

Jiang Chen was carefully flipping through the script when he heard this, and replied casually, "Having a halo means you're just cultivating, right? Others might not be able to figure it out even after ten or eight years, but the protagonist can do it in one glance. These are all basic operations."

There are still four months left. I hope everything will be alright in time.

The plot revolves around the bizarre invasion, a major event that caused countless deaths across the three realms, all to propel the protagonist to power. Hopefully, by uniting and making preparations in advance, we can contain the monsters in the Shattered Star Sea.

The fluffy ball immediately perked up, "Assassin Cat requests to go into battle! Host, I'm not afraid of any pollution anyway. When the time comes, I'll rush into the eerie lair and wreak havoc, ensuring that the cultivation world remains uncontaminated."

“Right.” Jiang Chen closed the script and looked at it seriously. “Didn’t we find a purification-type magic item when we were organizing the space? In case we can’t control it, you can infiltrate the monster’s lair.”

The little white cat puffed out its chest, looking smug. "Master, all those meals I ate weren't for nothing! The Assassin Cat is really useful in crucial moments!"

With its purification-type magical artifacts and the assistance of soul weapons, the disasters that the scriptwriters racked their brains to come up with are unlikely to have a significant impact on the cultivation world.

All that's left is to figure out how to make good use of the resources at hand to properly entertain Lin Xucheng as he emerges from seclusion!

The fairy boat flew at a leisurely pace. Early one morning, the loud voice of the Wind Chaser Eagle rang out from outside the window, "Little Willow? Little Willow! Brother has brought you good news!"

"Host, this guy is so annoying, meow." The little white cat sleeping in its host's arms opened its fluffy eyes, rubbed them, and muttered, "Didn't it say it was going to visit a friend? It was quiet for a few days, why is it suddenly back?"

Jiang Chen quickly tidied up and walked out of the bedroom, only to see the Wind Chaser grinning mischievously, "Little Liu, the introduction I made this time is absolutely reliable! Shouldn't we visit the Hidden God Sect next? Let me tell you, their sect has a genius that only appears once every ten thousand years—the Holy Maiden Leng Ruoyan!"

At only twenty-two years old, she already possesses the peak strength of the Nascent Soul Realm. Although she's a bit aloof, she's absolutely a stunning beauty, one in a million! Let me put it this way, the Hidden Divine Sect may not be as famous as our Free and Unfettered Sect, but it's still an ancient sect with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Anyone who can serve as a Holy Maiden is no ordinary person.

What a coincidence, it was another big fish from Lin Xucheng's fishpond.

However, that icy beauty, the saintess Leng Ruoyan, was not only cold-hearted, but practically devoid of all emotions and desires. Unlike other fish, she didn't eagerly dive into the fishpond, but the sect leader of the Hidden Sect, seemingly blinded by the protagonist's halo, simply sent her to his doorstep, which Leng Ruoyan treated as a sect-arranged marriage mission.

Aside from giving him something to brag about a few times, Leng Ruoyan quickly disappeared into the crowd of fish.

“Brother, she is, after all, a Holy Maiden.” Jiang Chen looked at the Wind Chaser Eagle, who was waiting earnestly for a reply, and couldn’t help but twitch his lips. “That’s the legendary Hidden Divine Sect, established even earlier than our Free and Unfettered Sect. You’ve already said that the Holy Maiden is no ordinary person. Do you think she would be interested in an alchemist like me who has no combat power?”

Upon hearing this, the Wind Chaser immediately frowned and became displeased. "What are you saying? Little Liu, you are an alchemist that you can't find anywhere! You're highly sought after. Don't even mention the Holy Maiden of the Hidden Divine Sect. If it weren't for the age difference, I would have liked to set you up with the Grand Elder of the Hidden Divine Sect."

Besides, I've already done the research for you. The girl's character, looks, and abilities are a perfect match for you. Why don't you take a look and see if she suits your taste? If you like her, I'll help you propose!

Jiang Chen didn't want to waste time arguing about trivial matters, so she just gave a perfunctory reply.

Not long after, the celestial ship landed, and the Hidden Gods Sect, which had already received the news, came to greet it.

"Oh, that silly bird wasn't lying, the Holy Maiden of the Hidden Sect is really too beautiful!" The fluffy ball beamed with joy when it saw the exceptionally outstanding ice beauty in the crowd, but a few seconds later its ears drooped down, "No, no, she does have a friendly demeanor, but this girl is like a sculpture of ice, not the type that the host likes."

With serious business to discuss, Jiang Chen didn't pay much attention to the other party.

In just a few brief encounters, he experienced firsthand what an ice queen was like. She seemed detached from the world, always impeccably dignified and elegant in public and private, beautiful as she was, yet utterly devoid of warmth or humanity.

"With that kind of personality, she's like a robot. Even if she were to follow Lin Xucheng in the story, she probably wouldn't change a bit. No wonder she disappeared so quickly, only being mentioned briefly when she needs to show off." After listening to the fluffy dumpling's report, Jiang Chen shook his head, losing interest in this ice queen.

He then absentmindedly played with the jade cicada in his hand, wondering if his girl would be in this mission world, and where he could find her.

Chapter Twenty-Five: So This Is What a Saintess Is Like

It was still early, and there were only a few people left on the list of those he needed to visit along the way to form a joint Three Realms Guardian Team. The little white cat rolled around on the ground and begged to observe Leng Ruoyan some more, so he had no choice but to find an inn to stay in at the foot of the Shenyin Sect Mountain.

Anyway, a grand celebration is going to be held in Fengyang City in a few days, so I might as well relax and join in the fun.

The demon cat really likes activities like the Lantern Festival, but it's impossible to catch it every day.

The Wind Chaser, keen on matchmaking, noticed that Liu Jiangchen wasn't very interested in Leng Ruoyan, and started looking around for a suitable fairy.

"That's strange, is it really you?" The fluffy little dumpling squatted on Leng Ruoyan's shoulder, peeking at her sitting at the table reading a book with a blank expression. Question marks popped up on its little head. "You're right, your temperament is too cold. It could freeze my host half to death."

If I say no, it seems too much like it... Should I just give a straight answer? Once we get back to battling the supernatural and messing with the protagonist, how will my host have time for romance?

Leng Ruyan clearly couldn't hear it; she sat there with her back straight, her icy face remaining unchanged from beginning to end.

"Senior Sister, the Heavenly God Festival in Fengyang City is coming soon. Will you represent our Shenyin Sect as usual?" A young girl dressed in uniform served a cup of tea and asked in a low voice.

Leng Ruyan glanced at her indifferently, nodded, and softly hummed in agreement.

The little girl's face lit up with joy as she lowered her voice and said, "Then... Senior Sister, could you take me down the mountain? I've never seen how the Heavenly Gods Festival is celebrated before. I heard it's very lively with lots of delicious food and fun activities!"

"can."

Despite the other party's cold response, the little girl beamed with joy.

She knew that the Holy Maiden was just like that; on the surface, she was always cold and aloof, never saying a word or taking a step, but she was a kind and beautiful senior sister.

The little girl cheered and jumped down;

Leng Ruyan gently put down the book in her hand, got up and went into the room. She opened the hidden compartment by the bed, took out a few pieces of silver, counted them carefully, and then put them back, pretending that nothing had happened. She continued to sit under the tree and read.

"Huh? A saintess like you actually has a secret stash of money?" The little white cat was completely puzzled. It jumped in and looked into the small hidden compartment. There wasn't much silver hidden inside. "You seem so concerned about such a small amount of money. What secret are you hiding?"

For three days in a row, the fluffy dumpling's "investigation" made no progress.

On the very day of the Heavenly God Festival, the Holy Maiden of the Hidden God Sect personally descended to participate in the activities and pray for the well-being of her people.

Any reputable sect would seek opportunities to demonstrate its strength to the people under its rule, thereby enhancing their sense of pride and ensuring that they could live in peace and prosperity under the protection of their "masters."

Although mortals are weak, they can complete time-consuming and laborious tasks such as mining, planting, and raising livestock to support the daily needs of the entire sect.

In a closer look, the sects in the cultivation world, each occupying their own territory, are no different from the royal family.

As the Holy Maiden of the Hidden Gods Sect, Leng Ruoyan's greatest role in attending the annual Heavenly God Festival is to use her magic to bring "sweet rain" to the people of the city, which can eliminate illness and invigorate their spirits.

This is why more and more people are gathering in Fengyang City to participate in the grand event, many of whom are chronically ill and want to recover their health with the help of their guru.

When Leng Ruoyan, her figure veiled in white and shrouded in the glow of the sunset, descends, the festive celebrations of the Heavenly God Festival reach their climax, with the streets ablaze with lights.

"That's quite interesting." The demon cat swayed its body as it walked to the edge of the eaves and squatted down. Pointing at Leng Ruoyan, who was holding a blessing ceremony not far away, it covered its mouth and laughed, "Although the Hidden God Sect is a bit pretentious, they take this opportunity to dilute the spiritual medicine many times over with their magic power and then evaporate it into the air. This not only increases the 'performance' effect but also helps mortals strengthen their bodies and eliminate illnesses. They are one of the few sects with a conscience."

Jiang Chen thought about it carefully and realized that the Xiaoyao Sect didn't seem to have any similar activities to get closer to the people, so he turned his head and asked, "Senior Cat, it seems that our sect only goes down the mountain for training and I haven't seen any other activities."

The demon cat licked its paws and nodded, saying, "That's right. The Free and Unfettered Sect has always prioritized martial prowess. Helping mortals with medical matters is not their priority. However, if there are evil spirits or monsters that need to be suppressed, they simply issue missions to their disciples to go down the mountain for training and resolve them."

"Perhaps we could also organize a group fitness activity like the Hermit Sect."

"Meow? Then you'd better find a way to win over that saintess, otherwise, without her Flowing Clouds Scattering Flowers technique, even if you have elixirs, you can't give them to mortals." After saying that, the demon cat gave him a human-like smile and lowered its voice, saying, "I am most skilled in soul techniques. Leng Ruoyan is not a good match for you in terms of body and mind. You can consider getting to know her again."

Jiang Chen: ? ? ?

What is a mismatch between mind and body?

The demon cat didn't answer directly. Before turning away, it turned back and gave him a slightly eerie smile. "Aren't you the demon yourself? How could you not know?"

It hopped twice and disappeared under the eaves, startling Jiang Chen.

Could it be... that my initial guess was wrong, and the demon cat is the bug?!

It realized that it was a time traveler and not the original owner of the body.

In an instant, many images flashed through his mind. It seemed like he had heard somewhere that the soul and body after transmigration were not compatible, which was very obvious to anyone with eyes to see!

So, Leng Ruoyan...

Jiang Chen looked up and saw that at the very top of the Heavenly God Tower, Leng Ruoyan, enveloped in a dazzling light that made mortals afraid to look directly at her, had just finished casting her long spell. A bright fireball rose straight up from her raised hands.

As everyone waited in anticipation, the entire city fell silent for a moment. The fireball exploded in the sky, instantly creating countless colorful specks of light, which fluttered and slowly descended as if a heavy snow had suddenly fallen over the city.

"May the Holy Maiden grant blessings!"

Everyone raised their hands and burst into shouts, welcoming the colorful lights that landed on them.

As a Nascent Soul cultivator, Jiang Chen could naturally see that the specially treated medicinal liquid, when applied to people, seemed to have a purifying effect, expelling wisps of gray aura.

"So this is how pills can be used!" He was greatly inspired after seeing it with his own eyes, feeling that it was somewhat similar to the effect of atomization.

While carefully observing the changes in the people, Jiang Chen suddenly noticed that Leng Ruoyan on the Heavenly God Tower was gone.

"Host, hurry! Come with me!" The fluffy dumpling, who had been waiting for three days, finally seized the opportunity and hopped over in a hurry, saying, "I saw with my own eyes that Leng Ruoyan sent all the maids around her away to play, and then she even had some private money... She, she's going to run away too, oh dear, hurry up and come!"

The little white cat's words were incoherent and it couldn't explain itself clearly. It used its little mouth to tug at the corner of his clothes and pulled him forward.

With the demon cat in front and Little White behind, Jiang Chen was bewildered and had no choice but to follow it downstairs to the street.

The fluffy little thing bounced around on Leng Ruoyan's shoulder, trying its best to get its host's attention. "Hurry up, come this way!"

I followed them at a distance until we reached a slightly secluded street where the crowds were finally less. The lanterns on both sides of the street flickered with light, and many stalls were cooking food, emitting their unique aromas.

"Boss, give me two chicken drumsticks!"

"I want a steamer of hot steamed buns, with meat filling!"

"Boss, give me a plate of honey-glazed lotus root!"

"I'll buy two skewers of candied hawthorn!"

"Boss, can you draw a sugar figurine? I want a phoenix..."

…………

After concealing her face with illusion magic, Leng Ruoyan carried the small amount of silver she had painstakingly saved in her arms, and bought food as she walked, casually putting it into her storage ring.

The annual Heavenly God Festival is the only day I can go down the mountain. I can also find an excuse to let everyone around me go shopping and have fun, so I can sneak out to buy delicious food!

From a very young age, she was chosen as a saintess by the Hidden Gods Sect and carefully taught and nurtured.

The whole world expects her to be composed, dignified, calm in the face of adversity, and pure and innocent, but Leng Ruyan is very sad.

She enjoys eating all sorts of delicious food made by mortals; she also enjoys listening to the fantastical and bizarre cultivation stories made up by mortals.

She wanted to live a carefree and unrestrained life like other monks her age.