Chinese animation: Starting with Bad Guys

"Gao Daqiang," or rather, the third young master of Aolai Kingdom seemed to pause for a moment.

His eyebrows rose high, and the surprise in his eyes was no longer superficial, but rather carried a hint of shock at being completely seen through:

"Oh? You really do know! You even know this? I'm even more curious now. My transformation technique is so powerful that even a demon emperor would have difficulty seeing through it. In terms of magical power alone, you're only at the Great Demon King level. How could you see through it to this extent?"

Qin Chuan smiled slightly, his expression enigmatic: "Everyone has their own secrets. Just like you, Third Young Master, who have incarnated countless times and roamed the world, haven't you never explained the reason to anyone?"

The third young master gave him a deep look, his gaze seemingly trying to dissect Qin Chuan from the inside out.

After a moment, he gave up asking and changed the subject, his tone sharp and dismissive:

"Preaching the Dharma in broad daylight, teaching without discrimination? Sect Leader Qin has lofty ambitions, but in my opinion, it's nothing more than a waste of energy. Mediocre people, even if they obtain some Dharma, will hardly achieve great things in their lifetime. A million worms cannot compare to a dragon."

"Young Master, you are mistaken. Although insects are small, they have never been truly extinct. Their tenacity and resilience have their own reasons."

Qin Chuan's expression remained unchanged, but his tone was as firm as a rock:

"Moreover, the path of humanity is now controlled by powerful clans and aristocratic families. How many bright pearls have been left to gather dust, and how many unpolished gems have been tarnished? I passed down this 'Spiritual Origin Initial Guidance Technique' to give those buried geniuses a chance to break free from their shackles and soar to the heavens! Even if there are thousands of mediocre people, as long as they can support one or two true dragons, it is worthwhile."

"Heh, possibility?"

The third young master chuckled, a condescending air about him:

"Very well, since you have this intention, then go ahead and do it. Just don't forget that your own path is the foundation. Your sword intent is incomparably sharp, directly severing the mind and spirit, making it the nemesis of those 'idealistic' monsters outside the circle. I have high hopes for you, so don't let worldly affairs delay your cultivation."

"Don't worry, Third Young Master." Qin Chuan's eyes were burning. "This 'education for all,' this 'establishing a school,' this 'passing on knowledge and teaching skills' are all practices of my way! Experiencing the mortal world and understanding people's hearts are also forms of cultivation. This path leads to my heart and also to my sword."

"To understand the ways of the world and see through people's hearts?"

The third young master shook his head slightly:

"I specialize in the path of physical strength and have reached its pinnacle in this realm. As for the path of mind and spirit, I have not explored it much and cannot comment on it. It is already extremely difficult to reach the end of a single path, let alone cultivate both body and mind to the peak? I have never heard of such a thing."

"No one before me has done it, simply because I have not yet appeared."

Qin Chuan's words were calm, yet they contained unparalleled confidence.

The third young master was slightly taken aback, then burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the empty hall:

"Hahaha! Good! What a fine 'because I haven't appeared yet'! I thought I was the most arrogant person in the world, but today I realize that Sect Leader Qin is even more arrogant!"

As the laughter subsided, a glint flashed in his eyes. "Very well, though our paths may differ, we may still be able to travel together for a while. Consider this a way of forging a good connection."

He flicked his finger, and a point of golden light shot towards Qin Chuan before disappearing without a trace.

Qin Chuan reached out and caught it; it was a golden jade slip containing information—the method for condensing pure Yang Flame!

Qin Chuan held the warm jade slip in his hand and remained silent for a moment.

He knew all too well the way this third young master of Aolai Kingdom acted.

Their rationality borders on ruthlessness; they are ruthless in achieving their goals, often resorting to the drastic measure of "starting from scratch" to eliminate any potential threats. The destruction of the dragon race in the past serves as a cautionary tale.

The reason he showed me kindness was simply because he valued my potential to fight against those outside the circle and my unique way of wielding a sword.

Qin Chuan felt no closeness to this person whatsoever, and even disliked him.

However, such is the situation.

With a formidable enemy outside the realm at hand, the Third Young Master is one of the strongest remaining guardians of this world, and also its most crucial ally. A slight displeasure must be suppressed within.

In the silence, Qin Chuan's gaze suddenly shifted to another, even more secluded and shadowy corner of the hall, his voice cold and clear:

"After listening for so long, it's time for you to come out. Li Muchen."

The shadows rippled, and a slender figure emerged, looking somewhat startled at being seen through—it was Li Muchen.

Her face was a little pale. With her sharp mind, she had also guessed the appointment at three-quarters of a minute after midnight from the cryptic conversation between Qin Chuan and Gao Daqiang during the day about "hitting the head three times and leaving with his hands behind his back".

She never expected such a shocking conversation to take place inside the hall, nor did she expect that her proud concealment technique would be completely useless in front of Qin Chuan.

"Sect Leader... Sect Leader."

Li Muchen lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously twisting the torn corner of his clothes.

Her posture was slightly unnatural; the hidden injuries from her reckless climb of Qingyun Peak during the day were still throbbing.

Qin Chuan looked at her with a complicated expression.

He knew this girl well too. Beneath her seemingly delicate exterior lay a heart that was almost obsessive and insane, willing to sacrifice everything to achieve her goals.

In some possible future scenario, she will go astray, using bizarre and ruthless methods that are truly shocking, but her twisted mind will also lead to her destruction.

Qin Chuan's voice was soft but undeniable.

Li Muchen subconsciously took two steps forward.

Qin Chuan slightly raised his fingertip, and a wisp of extremely subtle, almost imperceptible silver-white sword energy, like the most docile swimming fish, instantly disappeared into Li Muchen's body.

Li Muchen's body trembled violently, not from pain, but from an indescribable cool sensation that instantly spread throughout his body.

That wisp of sword energy seemed to possess an all-seeing precision, rapidly coursing through her body.

Wherever it passed, all injuries were healed, and even some minor internal injuries left by improper cultivation over a long period of time were mostly soothed by this strange power.

The whole process took only a few breaths. Li Muchen felt his whole body lighten up, and all the pain and fatigue from the daytime climb were swept away. His condition was even better than before the climb!

This incredible skill left her so shocked that she almost forgot to breathe.

"Your willpower is strong, and your act of climbing the mountain is already remarkable," Qin Chuan said, his voice calm and even. "But on the path of cultivation, ruthlessness alone is not enough."

He looked at Li Muchen, his words like sharp blades, precisely piercing Li Muchen's most hidden pain:

"You didn't actually see anything at the Blue Sky Assembly, did you? You didn't sense even the slightest bit of the scene from the Dao Alliance's secret teachings. Moreover, apart from yourself, even your closest relatives probably don't know anything about this."

Li Muchen suddenly looked up, his pupils contracted sharply, his face turned ashen, and his body trembled violently!

This is her deepest, most painful, and absolutely untouchable sore spot!

It was her driving force that drove her to climb the mountain desperately to prove herself and wash away this shameful disgrace!

It was the biggest secret she had ever revealed to anyone, including her parents and brothers, which she had desperately tried to cover up with her noble status as a young lady from a prestigious family and with almost self-destructive efforts!

Qin Chuan saw right through it all!

A wave of immense shame, panic, and a despair that felt like she had been completely stripped bare instantly seized her, almost suffocating her!

"Don't panic." Qin Chuan's tone softened slightly. "Your mediocre talent in cultivation is neither your fault nor a disgrace. Your talent lies not in 'cultivating' the Dao, but in 'studying' it!"

"Ken...yando?"

Li Muchen repeated blankly, her mind going completely blank from the immense shock.

"Excellent! Study the laws governing the flow of spiritual energy in heaven and earth, study the structural principles of magical treasures and talismans, study the combinations and transformations of Taoist magic and supernatural powers, and even study the laws of heaven and earth themselves!"

Qin Chuan's voice carried a guiding power, like a beam of light cleaving through chaos:

"You possess an unparalleled talent for exploring the origins, deconstructing all things, and reconstructing creations! If you master this path, your future will be limitless, and you may not be weaker than any great power! The obsessive ruthlessness in your eyes when you climb mountains, if applied to research, would be enough to allow you to reach peaks unimaginable to ordinary people!"

Qin Chuan's words were like thunder from the heavens, exploding in Li Muchen's heart, which was filled with despair and shame!

A completely new and infinitely vast world suddenly unfolded before her eyes!

Research! Deconstruct! Create!

Each word struck precisely at the deepest, most secret desires of her soul, igniting an unprecedented, almost fanatical light in her eyes!

So this is my path?! I'm not useless?! I possess another, even more powerful force?!

However, Qin Chuan's next words were like ice water poured over his head, carrying a chilling coldness: "But, Li Muchen, you must remember this."

His gaze was sharp as a knife, piercing straight into her heart.

"As researchers, when exploring the unknown, we must first uphold the bottom line of 'humanity'! We must respect life and nature, and know what to do and what not to do! If, in the name of research, you commit acts of inhumanity and cause the destruction of lives, you have crossed that bottom line..."

Qin Chuan's voice suddenly turned cold, and an invisible killing intent that seemed capable of freezing the soul instantly filled the entire rear hall:

"No one else needs to lift a finger; I will clean house myself! I will personally annihilate you, along with your twisted creations!"

The chilling killing intent was like a tangible steel needle, piercing Li Muchen's very soul.

When she met Qin Chuan's emotionless eyes, she truly felt the fear of death for the first time.

That wasn't a threat, it was a declaration!

She had no doubt that if she dared to overstep the line, the seemingly gentle sect leader in front of her would not hesitate to strike her with that blade!

"Disciple understands! Disciple will remember the Sect Leader's teachings! I will never dare to overstep the bounds!"

Li Muchen knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling with fear, yet also with a hint of excitement at being awakened and reborn.

Qin Chuan suppressed his killing intent and regained his composure:

"Remember your promise. As your teacher, I will be your strongest support as long as you don't cross the line. The research environment, resources, classics, and even some special 'materials' you need... as long as you don't violate the bottom line, I can provide them all for you."

He paused, then tossed the golden jade slip he had just obtained, which still carried the aura of the Third Young Master, along with the jade talisman that sealed the pure Yang Flame Seed, towards Li Muchen.

"This pure Yang Flame seed, and its condensation method, will be your first research topic. This is the Demon-Slaying Divine Flame, and also the Treasure-Refining Divine Flame. Its mysteries, its controllability, its deep connections with humans, demons, and magical treasures... Go and study it. Let me see just how far your talent for 'researching the Dao' can go."

Li Muchen hurriedly caught the two jade slips and jade talismans.

Sensing the terrifying power contained within, enough to incinerate ten thousand demons, the fear in her heart was instantly overwhelmed by an immense excitement and ecstasy that almost burst out of her chest!

Pure Yang Flame! A legendary divine artifact!

The sect leader actually entrusted her with such an important task! This is not only a sign of trust, but also an endorsement of her new path!

"Thank you, teacher! I will certainly live up to your expectations! I will thoroughly study the mysteries of this fire!"

Li Muchen was so excited that he was incoherent, clutching the treasure in his hand tightly as if he had grasped the key to a new world.

She kowtowed deeply to Qin Chuan, then got up and rushed out of the back hall almost impatiently, her figure quickly disappearing into the night leading to the disciples' residence. She wanted to start her research immediately!

The rear hall fell silent once more. The moonlight remained cold and clear.

Qin Chuan looked in the direction where Li Muchen disappeared, then looked down at his palm, where the tactile sensation of the Pure Yang Flame Jade Talisman still seemed to linger.

A dangerous seed has been planted. Will it grow into a towering tree, or turn into a raging inferno?

His gaze was deep.

In the distance, from the quiet room where Tu Shan Ya Ya was sleeping, a muffled murmur drifted out: "Stinky Qin Chuan... wine... another bowl..."

Chapter 19 A Broad Mind, A Joyous Event for the Yang Family

The next day, before the morning mist had completely dissipated, people were already thronging in front of the Scripture Pavilion on Qingyun Peak.